Think EOS Is Closed Off? Think Again.
A Closer Look at Openness in Additive Manufacturing
July 23, 2025 | Reading time: 6 min | Written by Michael Jan Galba
Few topics spark as much debate in the world of industrial 3D printing as the question of “openness.” And often, one name surfaces with strong opinions: EOS. We’ve heard the narrative before - EOS is too closed, too controlled, too rigid. The assumption is understandable: we build high-end additive manufacturing systems, deliver validated parameter sets, and support customers in regulated industries. But the full picture tells a very different story. It’s time to clarify what openness really means and how EOSPRINT 2, our Red Dot Design Award-winning software, is built to give customers both freedom and control.
Choose What Works for You with Two Pathways
At the core of EOSPRINT 2 is a dual-path approach to process control:
1. Open Parameter Access for Innovation:
For advanced users and R&D teams, EOSPRINT 2 provides full access to more than 200 exposure parameters from laser power and scan speed to hatching strategies and vector-level customization. Users can create new exposure profiles, import custom datasets, and optimize their process strategies in detail. This open architecture supports experimentation, development, and cutting-edge research across industries.
2. Locked Parameters for Production Stability
For manufacturers focused on reliability and certification, EOSPRINT 2 also enables the use of validated, locked-down parameter sets. These ensure consistent part quality, reduce process variability, and meet the demands of regulated or large-scale environments. Our library includes parameter sets for over 30 materials, each developed using EOS’s TRL (Technology Readiness Level) methodology and backed by extensive testing. These are not static - users can refine, adapt, or build upon them in collaboration with our Additive Minds experts.
Transparency Without Compromise
Another common misconception is that EOS systems are a “black box.” However, this is far from the truth. EOS provides complete transparency into how parameters are constructed and applied. Whether you're starting with our default sets or developing your own, you have full insight into how your build job is being executed. This level of openness is backed by documentation, engineering support, and a commitment to standardization - key for industries where traceability and repeatability are critical.
What Openness Looks Like at EOS
Openness in additive manufacturing is about more than just access; it’s about enabling users to take full control of their process, backed by transparency and support. We define openness through actionable capabilities:
- Adjust and optimize exposure strategies to suit specific application needs
- Develop entirely new scan paths and parameter sets from the ground up
- Import Design of Experiments (DoE) data, including seamless integration with Minitab
- Collaborate directly with EOS engineers and consultants to accelerate development
- Work with transparent, fully documented parameter sets - no hidden settings, no black boxes
This is how we deliver more than just software. We offer a platform built on clarity, flexibility, and partnership so you can innovate with confidence and scale without compromise.
Collaboration Drives Capability
Our goal is not just to deliver tools, but to create an environment where customers can achieve exceptional outcomes. That’s why we invest heavily in collaborative programs like Additive Minds, which help teams fast-track development, reduce time-to-market, and overcome technical challenges. In this context, openness isn’t just about software - it’s about partnership.
EOSPRINT 2 and the Future of Open Additive
EOS is not closed. Rather, we are purposefully focused on delivering solutions, both hardware and software, that drive innovation while ensuring production readiness. EOSPRINT 2 reflects this balance. It empowers users with the control they need to experiment, the security they need to scale, and the transparency they need to trust the process. So the next time the question arises “Is EOS a closed company?” we encourage you to explore the tools, resources, and partnerships we offer. The answer is clear: we’re building an open future for industrial 3D printing, one layer at a time.
Mastering EOSPRINT: From Setup to Optimization
What if improving your additive manufacturing workflow didn’t require new equipment – just smarter use of software? With EOSPRINT, many efficiency gains are already built in. Check out the three concise episodes from Michael Jan Galba:
EOSPRINT Episode 1 - Intuitive Data Preparation
EOSPRINT 2.18 as your central platform: import, position, duplicate parts, and send them directly to the machine – simple and secure.
EOSPRINT Episode 2 - Advanced Preview Features
Visualize laser paths, power distribution, and layer details in real time – ideal for Smart Fusion and TDE.
EOSPRINT Episode 3 - Custom Exposure Strategies
Easily adjust parameters, reduce build time, and improve quality – all with just a few clicks.
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