GKN Metallurgy partners with EOS, touts crazy fast process for metal AM production

Photo courtesy of GKN Powder Metallurgy

At the recent Formnext conference in Frankfurt, Germany, GKN Metallurgy announced a strategic partnership with 3D printing manufacturer EOS, in an effort to develop “high-productivity process for Laser metal 3D Printing which can reduce production time by 70 percent and overall cost by up to 50 percent.”

According to a press release, GKN Hoeganaes—GKN’s metal powders division—will utilize EOS StainlessSteel 316L VPro, in order to create high-performance parts designed for end-use at scale and accelerate the industrialization of metal AM.

“This collaboration makes laser metal 3D printing a viable long-term solution for manufacturers across the board that require fast delivery turnaround and could benefit from the high degree of design freedom that comes with Laser 3D printing,” stated Peter Oberparleiter, CEO of GKN Powder Metallurgy, in the press release. “Our customers will be able to produce higher quality parts faster than ever before, with absolutely no tooling.”

Prior to this announcement, GKN Metallurgy partnered with HP and Volkswagen to help introduce industrialized metal additive manufacturing to the automotive industry. Announced at IMTS 18’ in Chicago, the partnership was in conjunction with the launch of HP’s Metal Jet 3D printer.

GKN Metallurgy consists of three different divisions, the aforementioned Hoeganaes, as well as sinter metals—dealing with high precision metal components, from concept and design to full-service production—and the additive division, a digital manufacturer of metal AM parts and materials for prototypes, medium series and the aftermarket.

Currently, the company hasn’t expanded upon the nature of the partnership, in terms of specific projects they’re taking on, nor the specifics of the AM process that’s been announced.  Once we have more information we’ll update the story accordingly.

www.gknpm.com