EOS, one of the world’s leading technology suppliers in the field of industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers, has joined the MindSphere World e.V. (registered association) that promotes the open, cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere. EOS is one of the first providers of 3D printing solutions in this organization, which comprises companies including Siemens, Festo and Kuka. With its 3D printing expertise of almost 30 years EOS will participate actively in the organization, for example it is planned that EOS will chair an Additive Manufacturing work group.
The organization aims to expand the ecosystem around MindSphere on a global basis. MindSphere is the open, cloud-based IoT operating system developed by Siemens that connects plants, systems, and machines. By this, companies can leverage data originating from various sources for extensive analysis and production management functions, regardless of location. As a pioneer in the field of industrial 3D printing, EOS is working constantly to integrate its solutions in its customers’ production workflows. With EOSCONNECT, EOS is offering a software solution that serves as a gateway and, in combination with MindSphere, makes it possible to integrate EOS 3D printing systems in the Internet of Things (IoT). Companies are thus able to connect networks of machines worldwide, making their manufacturing capabilities even more flexible and productive.
Industrial 3D printing a key element in the digital factory
“With a community of industrial and IT companies of all sizes and sectors, as well as independent developers and start-ups, we aim to establish and drive an ecosystem based on MindSphere. So we are very pleased to have EOS on board, a pioneer for 3D printing solutions. The company’s technology know-how in additive manufacturing contributes to the further development of MindSphere and its applications, adding significant value to the ecosystem,” says Jan Mrosik, Chair of the Management Board of MindSphere World e.V.
Dr. Tobias Abeln, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at EOS states: “In the course of Industry 4.0, manufacturing scenarios are continuously becoming more digitalized. The industrial 3D printing technology offered by EOS plays a key role in this field, as it gives customers a completely new degree of freedom in terms of part design and production. Therefore the technology is being increasingly used in serial production.” He continues: “The next step is to meaningfully integrate industrial 3D printing in both existing as well as future manufacturing environments and at the same time continually optimize part and data flows in serial production. In other words, it’s all about the digital connectivity of conventional and additive technologies. With MindSphere World we are able to collaborate with the right companies to promote this development.”
Industrial grade connectivity
EOS is working steadily to ensure that its solutions can be connected with MES/ERP applications and, with the help of EOSCONNECT combined with MindSphere, also be able to support new digital marketplaces as well as IoT platforms. This high connectivity enables two beneficial outcomes: Companies gain a seamless handover of production data into their CAQ systems (Computer Aided Quality) for a secure and reliable traceability, helping them to validate their processes for production. They also can benefit from transparency with visualization and readout of real-time production KPIs. Ultimately, this type of comprehensive connectivity helps companies to boost their productivity.
Source:EOS