Leading technology provider for industrial 3D printers for metals and polymers, EOS has recently highlighted a distributed production scenario at Formnext 2020. A network of geographically dispersed, digitally linked facilities is being used for this AM-based distributed output that adapts flexibly to ever evolving market demands and consumer needs. This flexible on-demand production avoids any product pre-financing, minimum production quantities or over-production enabling a low-risk and efficient approach. Warehousing costs and transportation costs can also be minimized, thereby leading to responsible manufacturing, such as the reduction of the product's carbon footprint.

 The company has identified various scenarios for a distributed production on a global, local and system level, depending on company size and customer requirements. EOS AM solutions can be used in order to create a globally connected production in-house or by taking advantage of a network of established AM contract manufacturers, moreover the production can be balanced among sites and become more independent of single sources. For local facilities, EOSCONNECT MachinePark Apps help production supervisors to control their entire local machine park status, all thanks to a seamless integration into MES and ERP systems, which allows AM systems for a one-stop access to sensor, monitoring and quality management data – anytime, anywhere. For the efficient and reliable manufacturing of high-quality parts on an industrial scale, AM production supervisors depend on proven EOS systems that process metals or polymers, as well as offer tailored service from full range service contracts to co- and virtual maintenance to maximize system uptime and sustainable success.

“Industrial 3D printing enables a demand-driven, distributed production. As part of our factory planning, we support customers with the digitalization of their entire supply chain. Together we determine which steps are necessary to set up and commission a digital production facility, analyze production requirements, define necessary KPIs and assist with technology implementation,” emphasized Dr Marius Lakomiec, Team Manager Digital AM Solutions, EOS.

For more information: www.eos.info/en