Quad-Laser Metal Sintering System Announced

EOS has launched the M 400-4, a new quad-laser direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) additive manufacturing system designed for industrial applications. The M 400-4, says the company, expands its DMLS offerings by building on established EOS technology, yet taking it to the next level in terms of productivity, part quality and scalability to meet manufacturing requirements.

EOS describes the M 400-4 system as focused on greater volumes and increased productivity. The company characterizes the M 400-4 as an ultra-fast system that provides users exceptional beam and power stability as well as the highest DMLS part quality. The system is equipped with four 400-watt ytterbium fiber lasers, and each laser operates independently in 9.85x9.85 in. (250x250 mm) squares with an overlap of 1.97 in. (50 mm), enabling bigger parts to be exposed to more than one laser. A single re-coating process is used to reduce time spent on non-productive tasks.

Technical specifications include a build volume of 15.8x15.8x15.8 in. (400x400x400 mm) with base plate, 100 cubic centimeters per hour high build rate, scanning speed of up to 23 ft./sec (7.0 m/s) and a focus diameter of approximately 0.004 in. (100 μm).

In terms of workflow and operation, the M 400-4 provides a high degree of automation that makes it easy to handle, according to EOS. Operator features include extensive monitoring features to help ensure high process stability and part quality as well as an intuitive touchscreen, task-based user interface and flexible software tools. The M 400-4 DMLS system has a modular platform designed to be integrated into existing production environments.

The M 400-4 works with a range of materials such as light metals, stainless and tool steels as well as superalloys. The system uses the company's new patented EOS ClearFlow Technology, which, the company says, ensures consistent process gas management for ideal build conditions. Of note to users of the EOS M 290 DMLS 3D printer, all processes running on that system can be transferred to the EOS M 400-4 and deliver equivalent part properties.

“The EOS M 400-4 ... shatters the boundaries of manufacturing as it meets the most demanding requirements of our industry partners in terms of efficiency, scalability, usability and process monitoring,” said Adrian Keppler, chief marketing officer at EOS.

For more information on the EOS M 400-4 DMLS system, click here.

Download the EOS M 400-4 DMLS system data sheet.

Learn about EOS software for data preparation, process control and monitoring.

Click here for details on the materials EOS offers for metal additive manufacturing.

See why DE's editors selected the EOS M 400-4 DMLS system as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.