nLIGHT and EOS Form Joint Strategic Cooperation to Usher in a New Era of Additive Manufacturing Laser Technology
nLIGHT (NASDAQ: LASR) and EOS have announced a strategic cooperation aimed at advancing additive manufacturing (AM) laser technology. Under the agreement, nLIGHT will supply EOS with its AFX™ programmable beam shaping lasers, which will be integrated into EOS's metal AM systems. This collaboration aims to optimize AM light engines for enhanced industrial 3D printing productivity. The AFX laser, offering seven different beam profiles, can achieve printing speeds up to three times faster for specific metals compared to standard processes. The AFX-enabled machines are expected to be available by late 2024.
- Strategic cooperation with EOS, a leading AM company.
- nLIGHT’s AFX laser offers seven beam profiles, enhancing versatility.
- Printing speeds up to three times faster for 316L steel and aluminum.
- Implementation of digital beam shaping will enhance productivity.
- AMCM, an EOS company, has already deployed AFX lasers, indicating early success.
- AFX-enabled machines will not be available until late 2024, potentially delaying revenue realization.
- No immediate financial gains reported from the collaboration.
Insights
The joint cooperation between nLIGHT and EOS signals a significant advancement in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). nLIGHT's AFX programmable beam shaping lasers, with their ability to change beam profiles digitally, can substantially enhance the precision and speed of AM processes. In the AM industry, the ability to dynamically adjust beam profiles means that manufacturers can optimize their printing parameters for different materials and geometries without needing separate equipment. This flexibility is important for high-mix, low-volume production environments.
Furthermore, the integration of these technologies promises an increase in productivity, particularly in metal AM systems. The capability of nLIGHT's AFX lasers to deliver printing speeds three times faster for materials like 316L steel and aluminum could drastically reduce production times and costs. These advancements are likely to attract industries focused on high precision and fast turnaround, such as aerospace, automotive and medical device manufacturing.
In essence, this collaboration not only strengthens the technological capabilities of both companies but also pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in industrial 3D printing.
From a market perspective, the collaboration between nLIGHT and EOS could reinforce their positions as leaders in the additive manufacturing sector. By integrating nLIGHT's advanced laser technologies into EOS's established AM systems, both companies are set to deliver superior value to their customers. This strategic cooperation could lead to increased market share as they offer more efficient and versatile manufacturing solutions.
For investors, this news is promising as it indicates potential revenue growth and market expansion for both nLIGHT and EOS. The ability to offer faster and more precise AM technologies can be a strong differentiator in a competitive market. Additionally, the collaboration could pave the way for further innovations and partnerships, enhancing long-term business prospects.
However, it is essential to consider the time frame for these advancements to become commercially available, as the expected availability is late 2024. Investors should weigh the short-term costs and resource allocations required to bring these innovations to market against the projected long-term benefits.
nLIGHT to supply EOS with AFX™ programmable beam shaping lasers, and collaborate on technologies for light engine optimization
The cooperation between nLIGHT and EOS includes the implementation of a series of complementary laser-based technologies to optimize the AM light engine for robust industrial 3D printing production. nLIGHT and EOS plan to make beam shaping and light engine optimization capabilities available digitally, enabling customers to access different beam profiles via EOS software to activate higher productivity printing. AMCM, an EOS Group company focused on customized AM solutions, has already made the programmable AFX laser available in its metal AM systems. The LOI between nLIGHT and EOS represents an evolution of this relationship.
nLIGHT’s programmable AFX laser offers seven different beam profiles in a single laser, ranging from an 85 micron spot size for maximum precision contours, to a 210 micron ring profile for faster printing, improved process stability and reduced soot and spatter. nLIGHT AFX lasers deliver printing speeds up to three times faster for 316L steel and aluminum compared to a standard 400W process.
“EOS is an industry leader in additive manufacturing, and nLIGHT is proud to partner with a company that shares our vision for bringing significant improvements to the additive manufacturing landscape,” said Scott Keeney, CEO of nLIGHT. “The teams and technologies at nLIGHT and EOS are highly complementary; we are excited to build on the early success with AMCM to integrate our laser technologies into the wider EOS portfolio.”
“We are always researching industry leading technologies to advance the industrialization of additive manufacturing to meet the emerging application demands and exceed customer expectations,” said Marie Langer, CEO of EOS. “The flexibility and performance gains of nLIGHT’s beam shaping and laser technologies gives us an unprecedented advancement in metal AM systems and will allow our customers to unleash a new level of productivity.”
nLIGHT and EOS plan to make the AFX-enabled machines available to customers in late-2024.
About nLIGHT
nLIGHT, Inc. is a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, aerospace and defense applications. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made but also the things that can be made. Headquartered in
About EOS
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technologies to organizations around the world. Since 1989, EOS has shaped the future of manufacturing by enabling its customers to innovate and differentiate through expert guidance, technology and services, leveraging its end-to-end additive manufacturing (AM) industry partnerships. From strategy to education to production, EOS is the leading global partner for both metal and polymer AM solutions, accelerating time-to-market for its customers through high-quality production efficiencies and sustainable solutions.
Graphic Material: EOS Press Center
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nLIGHT Investor Contact
Joseph Corso
Chief Financial Officer
+1 360.566.4460
Joe.Corso@nlight.net
nLIGHT Media Contact
Alex Kingsbury
Market Development Manager – AM
+1 360.524.6864
Alex.Kingsbury@nlight.net
EOS Contact
Patrick Boyd
Marketing Director
+1 801.368.3977
Patrick.Boyd@eos-na.com
Source: nLIGHT, Inc.
FAQ
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