What Is Additive Manufacturing?
From Laser Sintering to Industrial 3D Printing: How Does Additive Technology Work?
In additive manufacturing (AM), material is applied layer by layer in precise geometric shapes based on a CAD model. In contrast, conventional manufacturing processes typically involve milling, carving or otherwise removing material to create an object. The terms 3D printing and additive manufacturing are often used synonymously. Strictly speaking, however, a distinction must be made: 3D printing is the more colloquial term, while additive manufacturing refers to the general manufacturing process - the production of objects by adding material - encompassing processes such as rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, or mass customization.
The AM process offers significant benefits to a wide range of industries, whether it's the ability for agile product customization, functional integration, or rapid and cost-effective spare parts procurement. EOS offers different materials to suit each application. Read more about the various processes and materials that EOS has continuously developed and what advantages they offer your company.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
AM can offer your company a significant competitive advantage. On-demand spare parts production directly on site reduces inventory and supply chain constraints. Lightweight designs mean less raw material, less energy, and less costs.
Compared to traditional manufacturing, AM allows your teams to customize and integrate functionality working on a 3D model. This enables fast responses to customer requirements and frequent product iterations. Our experts are available to advise you on best practices tailored to your AM system.
Cost Efficiency: Is Industrial 3D Printing Worthwhile?
Industrial 3D printing can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing processes in many areas.
Key cost factors include:
- Produce parts cost-efficiently, even in series production.
- Accelerate product development and prototyping to gain a competitive advantage.
- Reduce production and storage costs by manufacturing spare parts locally on demand.
- Develop a new approach to product development.
- Benefit from new opportunities enabled by innovative processes and 3D printing materials.
Our Future-Oriented 3D Printing Technology
At EOS, we work with the AM technology of powder bed fusion. A CAD model is created, virtually cut into thin slices and converted into a file that the 3D printer can read.
For the printing process, a thin layer of the desired powder material is applied to a building platform. A powerful laser beam then melts the powder in the exact locations specified by the computer model. A new layer of powder is applied and again fused with the underlying layer by laser. In this way, layer by layer, the final part is created.
This forward-thinking approach supports your organization in its commitment to sustainability, as AM inherently enables resource-efficient production, lightweight designs, and localized manufacturing.
DMLS Technology for Metal
What is DMLS and how does it work? All about metal AM, metal powder choices, and this innovative AM technique in detail. Discover how it works.
SLS Technology for Plastic
Get more out of SLS with each successive layer and learn all about this manufacturing method and how it can benefit your planned 3D object. Discover more.
Our Free Webinars for You
All you need to know about 3D printing. In free webinars, our experts explain the most common and urgent questions when it comes to AM.
How the Additive Manufacturing Process Compares to Traditional Manufacturing Across Industries
The original field of application for AM was primarily rapid prototyping, with which product development and market launch could be significantly accelerated. In the meantime, however, industrial 3D printing has become an essential part of series production. EOS is one of the pioneers of this development.
Advanced printing technology is opening up new opportunities in demanding industries such as aerospace, medical, energy, and automotive, as well as in mass markets such as lifestyle and consumer goods, industrial and manufacturing. The AM method offers numerous competitive advantages and creates sustainable foundations for the future. Here are some examples of EOS technology success stories.
Aerospace and Aviation
Functional integration and increasingly complex parts are decisive factors in aviation and aerospace. Equally important is the saving of material and weight – and thus CO2 emissions. An ideal application area for AM technologies.
Consumer Goods
3D printing opens up a whole new universe of creative possibilities for designers and engineers. Almost any conceivable shape is possible – quickly and flexibly, with minimal material consumption.
Defense
Additive manufacturing strengthens defense capabilities through on-demand production, resilient supply chains, and decentralized manufacturing of critical components. By accelerating development cycles and ensuring spare part availability, the technology improves the readiness, flexibility, and performance of mission-critical systems.
Energy
Reliability and performance under extreme conditions are critical in the enery sector. Additive manufacturing enables the production of highly complex, optimized components for applications such as turbines, heat exchangers, and fluid systems — improving efficiency while reducing material usage and downtime.
Manufacturing
Freedom of design and low-weight parts with integrated functionality are innovations that subtractive manufacturing often doesn’t allow for. A 3D printer setup offers a wide range of competitive advantages to companies in the manufacturing sectors.
Medical
Great freedom of design gives medical professionals the opportunity for individual treatment based on patient-specific data, functional integration and adaptability. Beyond medical devices, which can be mass-produced based on detailed design specifications, a 3D-printed part like an orthopedic device or prosthesis can now be tailored to the individual patient.
Automotive
From rapid prototyping, lightweight parts and manufacturing aids to custom designs for concept or formula cars, 3D printing has become a fundamental competitive advantage in the automotive industry.
Looking for the Right 3D Printer? We Got You Covered
Our extensive portfolio not only includes 3D printers, peripheries, and materials for plastic and metal parts. On top of that, we also support you in improving your AM expertise with our free webinars.
EOS Industrial Plastic 3D Printers
Our plastic 3D printers are available with various build volumes and laser powers to meet your production challenges.
EOS Industrial Metal 3D Printers
Our metal 3D printers offer a wide range of build space sizes and laser power ratings – whatever your 3D printed application requires.
Additive Manufacturing Knowledge
Whether with consulting, training or free webinars – we accompany you from the first contact with AM technologies to mature solutions for everyday operations.
Reach Out to Our AM Experts To Get Off on the Right Foot From the First 3D Print
Are you ready to transform your manufacturing process and unlock unparalleled design freedom, supply chain efficiency, and cost savings? The journey into AM is one of immense opportunity, and EOS is the trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. With our integrated ecosystem of industry-leading hardware, certified materials, intelligent software, and expert consultation, we provide the reliable solutions you need to succeed, from your first prototype to full-scale serial production.
Don't wait to discover how AM can give you a competitive advantage. Get in touch with us to connect with our team of AM specialists and begin your additive journey today.
