Chemnitz, Germany - 3D-Micromac AG, a provider of laser micromachining systems, and EOS GmbH, a provider of e-manufacturing solutions in additive manufacturing, are joining their respective technological know-how in the area of micro laser sintering technology (MLS) to form a new corporation: 3D MicroPrint.
The companies' goal is to advance the development and commercialization of the new MLS technology and to identify and establish more solutions in the field of micro-technology.
3D-Micromac AG and EOS GmbH have been developing MLS together since 2006. The first system successfully began operation at a German research institute earlier this year.
Joachim Göbner, formerly project head of MLS at EOS and head of the technical center in Chemnitz, and Tino Petsch, CEO of 3D-Micromac, were appointed as business managers of 3D MicroPrint. The new company's headquarters is located in Chemnitz.
"Demand for very small parts which are difficult to manufacture using conventional processes is rising tremendously. Micro laser sintering provides solutions for three major trends: individualization, functional integration, and miniaturization," said Dr. Hans J. Langer, founder and CEO of EOS GmbH.
"Working with layer thicknesses of ≤ 5 micron, focus diameters of ≤ 30 micron and powder particle size of ≤ 5 micron, the MLS technology opens up new dimensions. With MLS, it is even possible to produce moveable component assemblies," said Göbner.
Micro laser sintering is an additive manufacturing technology. Based on digital 3D design data, parts are built from metal powders, layer by layer, using a laser beam. The process is also known as industrial 3D printing.
MLS enables the production of parts with complex 3D structures, where conventional manufacturing processes reach their limits. Even lot size one of a part can be produced at reasonable costs-per-part. Target applications include nozzles for the automotive industry, components for medical devices or the individualization of jewelry. Aside from that, a growing demand for micro-parts can be observed in the areas of mold-making and aerospace technology.