GF Machining Solutions Integrates 3D Printing

A tool and die company has entered the 3D printing space. Additive manufacturing specialist EOS has entered into a strategic cooperation with GF Machining Solutions, the Swiss-based industrial company GF (Georg Fischer), Schaffhausen, to combine EOS’ direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technology and with GF’s machine tooling solutions. 

The two companies will focus on the mold and die sector. According to a press release, they will “develop exclusive solutions for mold makers, a market in which GF holds a leading position thanks to its EDM, high speed milling and automation technologies.”

Using DMLS, customers could generate metal inserts with cooling close to the surface, allowing for a shorter mold cooling sequence and a faster plastic injection cycle.

GF and EOS will integrate the additive manufacturing machines into the mold insert production process, including the required software and automation link with downstream machine tools and measuring devices.

“The cooperation allows us to increase the value for customers by integrating conventional and additive technologies. This is a large step towards seamless production and we join forces with a strong and experienced partner,” said EOS founder and CEO Hans Langer.

The first joint offerings from the company will be on display at the EMO 2015 show in Milan this October.

EOS has previously partnered with other companies in the tool and die space, including FADO.

Source: EOS