EOS launches Digital Foam Architects Network for 3D Printed Foam Applications

3D printer manufacturer EOS has launched its Digital Foam Architects network, which aims to accelerate the development and additive manufacturing of consumer, medical and industrial products using digital foam applications. Founding members include EOS, Arkema, General Lattice and DyeMansion.

The Digital Foam concept makes it possible to refresh established products as well as create entirely new product offerings, from athletic footwear to orthopedic items and protective medical products. In doing so, manufacturers can set the exact performance or features they need to differentiate their product and present customized product offerings.

Digital Foam applications typically have complex requirements and need expertise from multiple disciplines to be successful. The Digital Foam Architects network establishes an ongoing alliance of AM experts ready to bring ideas into production, including design software, materials and diverse AM hardware elements, from printing to post-processing and colorization.

“Digital Foam applications can be designed and produced with tailored features for performance, protection and lightweighting. But Digital Foam is not a product, rather it is an approach to 3D printing foam-like products. The Digital Foam Architects network is another chapter in the maturation of this approach by coalescing the required AM expertise. We are very pleased to announce our first commitments to this network of experts”, comments Jon Walker, Digital Foam spokesperson for EOS.

“Arkema is committed to supporting new additive manufacturing application development through more sustainable material solutions. In collaboration with EOS, we continue to push the boundaries on what is feasible in 3D printing by combining strong enablers, such as Digital Foam, and new materials, such as Pebax elastomers. We look forward to the growth of Digital Foam and we will continue to play an active role in this program”, said Adrien Lapeyre, director of Arkema 3D printing program.

The technological basis of Digital Foam represents an EOS patent that refers to any generatively 3D-printed object with a flexible, lattice-like structure or matrix consisting of open cells assembled in groups of different characteristics.

In the future, the network is expected to expand its partners while continuing to use Digital Foam as an additively manufactured flexible lattice solution. For more information on the Digital Foam Architects network or to become a potential network partner, people can contact Jon Walker, manager of government relations and key accounts.