EOS unveils Fine Detail Resolution 3D printing technology

At the formnext trade show this week, EOS unveiled its Fine Detail Resolution (FDR) technology that enables the printing of delicate polymer structures and wall thicknesses down to 0.22mm. According to the company, FDR represents the first use, in powder-based 3D printing, of an ultra-fine beam 50-watt CO laser, which has a focus diameter half that of current SLS technologies. The 3D printer’s exposure parameters enable parts with superfine surfaces, the company says, and makes new polymer-based AM applications possible, such as filter units and fluid channels, as well as electronic components and consumer goods like eyeglasses.

Initially, the company’s biocompatible polyamide 11 powder (PA 1101) has been certified for use with the FDR technology. The renewable raw material is processed in layer thicknesses of 40 and 60 µm and features both high impact resistance and elongation at break.

“The new technology will combine the best of two worlds – the detailed resolution of stereo lithography (SLA) with the durability and quality of selective laser sintering (SLS),” said Dr. Tim Rüttermann, Senior Vice President Polymer Division. “In future, depending on application requirements, customers will therefore be able to choose between the existing EOS P 500 version with a CO2 laser for high productivity and material flexibility; or the CO laser-based FDR technology for manufacturing extremely delicate components.”
www.eos.info