Automotive Trim Developments Acquires Two EOS M 290 Metallic 3D Printers

EOS, a prominent supplier of manufacturing solutions through industrial 3D printing technology, has recently announced that Automotive Trim Developments (ATD) has installed two of its EOS M 290 metal 3D printers. ATD, a UK-based group of companies specializing in the engineering and production of complete interior trim and electro-mechanical assemblies for the automotive and other transport industries, has a wealth of experience in CNC manufacturing. However, the group faced an engineering challenge during the development of an electro-mechanical module for a luxury vehicle interior that required a highly visible yet lightweight component. It became evident that additive manufacturing (AM) was the only solution for producing the component.

Although AM was a completely new process for ATD, the EOS Additive Minds team provided a complete turnkey solution that covered training, installation, setup of the machines, and every aspect of the transformation on the production floor. The Additive Minds team provided consultation support for prototype parts development, and the machines were pre-programmed before on-site installation by EOS, enabling ATD to start work immediately. Brett Townsend, owner and Managing Director at ATD, expressed his confidence in the technology, saying that “Our investment in additive manufacturing and EOS is one for the long term, and a relationship that has already enabled us, at speed, to move high quality production of complex automotive components.”

The EOS M 290, launched in 2014, is widely considered the industry benchmark for industrial 3D printers. EOS Regional Director EMEA, Davide Iacovelli, emphasized that their solutions are designed to support manufacturers of all sizes, and their Additive Minds team offers training and consulting services for optimizing, validating, and scaling additive manufacturing, enabling clients to get the most out of their machines from day one. The installation of EOS M 290 metal 3D printers marks a step change in ATD’s evolution and commitment to high engineering and manufacturing standards.