Key Takeaways
- EOS partners with Constellium to expand its materials portfolio with new aluminum alloys
- Protolabs expands manufacturing capabilities to support growing demand for 3D printed drone components
- Velo3D and other companies are also making significant advancements in the additive manufacturing industry
- The demand for 3D printed components is increasing, with a 90% growth in revenue from drone customers for Protolabs since 2023
- New materials and technologies are being developed to support high-performance applications in various industries
Additive Manufacturing Industry Update
The additive manufacturing (AM) industry is experiencing significant growth, with companies like EOS, Protolabs, and Velo3D making notable advancements. Despite the typical summer slowdown in the manufacturing industry, there has been no shortage of news and developments in the AM sector.
EOS and Constellium Partnership
EOS has announced a strategic partnership with Constellium, a leading aluminum supplier, to expand its materials portfolio. The partnership will add Constellium's Aheadd CP1 to EOS' materials portfolio, branded as EOS Aluminium Constellium CP1. This new material is suitable for various applications, including:
- Heat exchangers
- Semiconductor industry applications
- Components requiring high-quality surface finishing
- Parts exposed to corrosive environments
- Lightweight structural components
The EOS Aluminium Constellium CP1 will be available from EOS starting August 2026.
Protolabs Expands Manufacturing Capabilities
Protolabs, a digital manufacturing service provider, has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to support the growing demand for 3D printed drone components. The company has seen a 90% growth in revenue from its drone customers since 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50%. This expansion will enable Protolabs to better support the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other applications.
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Materials
| Material | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| EOS Aluminium Constellium CP1 | High strength, corrosion resistance | Heat exchangers, semiconductor industry, lightweight structural components |
| Titanium | High strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility | Aerospace, medical implants, high-performance applications |
| Aluminum | High strength, low weight, corrosion resistance | Aerospace, automotive, industrial applications |
Bottom Line
The additive manufacturing industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in materials, technologies, and applications. The partnership between EOS and Constellium, as well as Protolabs' expansion of its manufacturing capabilities, demonstrate the increasing demand for 3D printed components in various industries. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see new materials, technologies, and applications emerge, further driving the growth of the AM sector. With a focus on high-performance applications and innovative materials, the future of additive manufacturing looks promising, with potential applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.