- Qualification of new materials and parts and strengthening market position are key goals
January 23 – GKN Powder Metallurgy, the world leader in powder metallurgy, has joined forces with EOS, the global technology and quality leader in high-end additive manufacturing (AM), to lead the way in business-to-business industrial 3D printing. The two technology leaders agreed on a collaboration, primarily aimed at the automotive market, that integrates both companies’ excellent positions in their markets.
GKN Powder Metallurgy brings expertise in the transfer of innovative technology from laboratory level to series production, particularly in the automotive sector, capabilities in advanced material and design as well as experience in developing and producing advanced metal powder materials.
As a pioneer and innovator for holistic solutions in AM, EOS offers all essential elements for industrial 3D printing. Systems, materials and process parameters are intelligently harmonized to ensure a reliable high part quality.
By GKN and EOS combining their know-how and experience and thanks to the global footprint of both partners, companies can fully exploit the revolutionary possibilities and potential offered by Metal AM. This is fully embedded in GKN’s digital factory approach and the next big step towards the future of series Metal AM production for automotive applications.
Tap potential in production, research new materials
“Metal AM has huge potential to shape the future of industrial manufacturing and its products, and elevating this to a new level. EOS and GKN will take on this challenge together. We want to ensure that more and more companies recognize and use the potential of this innovative technology. At the same time, we want to considerably expand the areas of application with new materials by testing and ultimately using them in series production,” says Dr. Peter Oberparleiter, CEO GKN Powder Metallurgy.
Dr. Hans J. Langer, founder and CEO of EOS, states: “The collaboration between GKN and EOS is another important step towards integrating industrial 3D printing into existing and future production lines and to leverage the benefits of AM technology for series production. With GKN we have the right partner who offers a high degree of experience with its global presence and its high-performance production for the automotive industry.”
Joint ‘AM Experience Days’ planned in Europe and North America
End of 2016 GKN Powder Metallurgy and EOS held a first joint ‘AM Experience Day’ in GKN’s Innovation Centre in Radevormwald, Germany. Based on the huge interest the partners now are planning for 2017 to run eight additional “AM Experience Days” in Europe and North America for innovative thinkers and decision-makers in the automotive and industrial industry. The goal is to show potential customers the new and nearly limitless possibilities in Metal Additive Manufacturing created by extensive geometrical freedom combined with considerable cost advantages already for small batch sizes.
About GKN Powder Metallurgy
GKN Powder Metallurgy comprises GKN Sinter Metals and Hoeganaes. GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision automotive components as well as components for industrial and consumer applications. Hoeganaes is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of metal powder, the essential raw material for powder metallurgy. GKN Powder Metallurgy is in close proximity to its customers with more than 30 global locations and about 6,600 employees.
About GKN plc
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has three divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline and GKN Powder Metallurgy, which operate in the aerospace and automotive markets. Over 56,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of £7.7 billion in the year to 31 December 2015.
About EOS
EOS is the global technology leader for industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers. Founded in 1989, the independent company is a pioneer and innovator for holistic solutions in additive manufacturing. Everything EOS does is founded on the cornerstones of corporate responsibility and sustainability, both inward- and outward-facing. Whereby EOS embraces a deep commitment to customers and their needs.
Like no other company, EOS is mastering the interaction of laser and powder material. Additionally, EOS provides all essential elements for industrial 3D printing. System, material and process parameters are intelligently harmonized to ensure a reliable high quality of parts and thus facilitating a decisive competitive edge. Furthermore, customers benefit from deep technical expertise in global service, applications engineering and consultancy.
EOS nurtures a vibrant ecosystem of partners and, by means of venture investments, helps incubate promising start-ups. It’s this interaction along the whole industrial value-chain that enables the development of extensive solutions for 3D printing. Hence contributing to the further digitization and automation of manufacturing.
Source: GKN plc /EOS
