EOS, a leading supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology, has today announced that Automotive Trim Developments (ATD), a group of companies focused on the engineering and manufacture of complete interior trim and electro-mechanical assemblies to the automotive and other transport industries, has installed two award-winning EOS M 290 metal 3D printers.

The new industrial 3D printers mark a step change in ATDs ongoing evolution and commitment to the highest engineering and manufacturing standards.  Building on its extensive CNC manufacturing experience, ATD has now adopted new additive manufacturing processes, with EOS providing support at every stage for a rapid shift to active production.

An innovative automotive design and turnkey solution

During the engineering phase of a project to develop an electro-mechanical module for a luxury vehicle interior, ATD hit an engineering challenge with one particular component.  The physically large and complex component was highly visible, but also lightweight, and it became clear that the only way to manufacture the component would be additive manufacturing.  Taking this approach would enable ATD to achieve the target weight while ensuring a high-quality component, both cosmetically and functionally, once highly polished and electroplated in post-processing.

Additive manufacturing was a completely new process for ATD, but working with the EOS Additive Minds team they were able to implement a complete turnkey solution, that not only covered training, installation and setup of the EOS M 290 machines, but every aspect of undergoing a transformation on the production floor.  This included production business case analysis, floor layout, health and safety procedures, maintenance regimes and guidance on the quality requirements of certified components.  Additive Minds provided consultation support on the development of prototype parts, with machines pre-programmed before installation onsite by EOS – ready to get to work straightaway – a complete turnkey solution.

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