EOS integrates Oqton’s AI-powered build quality suite for enhanced Additive Manufacturing
August 27, 2024
Oqton, a software provider based in Ghent, Belgium, has collaborated with EOS GmbH, Krailling, Germany, to integrate its Build Quality suite to EOSCONNECT Core. This tool has the potential to enable the production of high-quality parts, and process repeatability for accelerated time-to-market. Oqton Build Quality is an AI-powered solution for metal powder bed Additive Manufacturing machines that evaluates build performance across manufacturing workflows to prevent, detect, and can help with the correction of anomalies and defects.
The integration of this solution with EOS software looks to enable full end-to-end traceability of additively manufactured parts to help EOS’ customers meet demanding quality assurance standards. Additionally, it can help lower production costs by reducing material use, minimising scrap, and enhancing the effectiveness of engineering teams.
Oqton Build Quality encompasses 3DXpert Build Inspection to monitor the entire manufacturing process and mitigate anomalies resulting from errors during the build setup, manufacturing, or with materials. The solution works with image and sensor technology that is already integrated into a variety of metal AM machines augmented with AI algorithms, thus avoiding the need to invest in additional hardware.
Detecting and correcting anomalies early in the process helps to ensure the success of each build – from first article inspection through final part – enabling manufacturers to develop repeatable processes for prototyping and production that efficiently yield high-quality parts while reducing costs. The software suite addresses the needs of a variety of manufacturers that rely on Additive Manufacturing technologies including product and equipment manufacturers (i.e., OEMs), service bureaus and engineering services teams, and those responsible for quality assurance. The solution is designed to focus on key areas before, during and after the build to maximise processes and outcomes.
“The new Oqton Build Quality suite has the potential to lead to a significant leap in terms of quality assessment of additively manufactured metal components,” stated Rüdiger Herfrid , product manager, software, EOS GmbH. “The ease of use and automatic reporting capabilities are a key step towards the end-to-end traceability and assessment of AM parts. EOS customers can now access AI capabilities within the Oqton Build Quality suite, thanks to seamless integration with EOS software and the close collaboration between Oqton as a partner of the EOS Developer Network.”
“Metal 3D printing has unlocked reliable production of final parts, but ensuring consistent quality was a challenge,” said Kirill Volchek, chief technology officer, Oqton. “This stems from factors such as inconsistent processes, diverse equipment, and multiple software vendors. Oqton’s Build Quality cuts through this complexity, offering a unified, reliable solution. After proving the technology first with 3D Systems, it’s exciting to see adoption of Build Quality expanding, and our collaboration with EOS is a wonderful next step. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact this game-changing solution can have in empowering EOS’s customers to achieve unmatched production efficiency.”