Academic programme launched to promote 3D printing in universities

After registering, participating institutions can benefit from exclusive access to regular updates from the Additive Manufacturing (AM) world, such as sample applications, white papers and various activities specially designed for the academic field. They will also get an exclusive access to three new packages.

The combination of specialised training with the practical use of their own 3D printing systems will enable both researchers and lecturers to experience first-hand the host of possibilities this technology offers. As such they can actively teach their knowledge to others. At the same time, universities can increase their appeal as centres of education by utilising the expertise they have gained to offer a corresponding range of courses on key 3D printing technology topics.

Dr. Adrian Keppler, CEO and Speaker of the Corporate Management at EOS, said: “As a technology and market leader, it is essential for us to prepare the scientists and students of today for the professional requirements of tomorrow. For this reason, with our Academia programme we are specifically promoting universities and research institutions by providing them with the best possible and state-of-the-art equipment.”

Over 300 EOS systems are already in use at various universities and research institutions around the world. These include the Technical University of Munich, the University of Wolverhampton (UK), the California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, US), and the Incheon PolyTech (Seoul, South Korea).

Understanding and exploiting the potential of Additive Manufacturing
During the next few years, industrial 3D printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), will play an integrated role in large scale manufacturing – for polymer and metal components alike.

Anyone wanting to drive innovation and influence development going forward needs to gain an understanding of the principles of Additive Manufacturing and its potential. As such, it is even more important than ever to begin training the first generation of ‘additive natives’. Apart from its own systems and two entry-level systems from Sintratec, EOS has included various webinars, training courses and further education options in its programme. The package makes it possible to establish an AM specific knowledge base more efficiently, with the aim of benefiting from the advantages for both research and education.

Mark Stanford, Professor for Advanced Manufacturing Technology at the University of Wolverhampton on the subject of Additive Manufacturing: “Our institution has used EOS systems for processing metal materials for research and educational purposes since 2004. The wealth of experience we have gained with metal 3D printing enables us to prepare our students for the manufacturing scenarios of tomorrow. At the same time it is an important distinguishing feature in comparison to other universities.”

Elements of the Academia programme
Depending on requirements, the current EOS Academia programme offers suitable ways of quickly entering the world of Additive Manufacturing. Organisations can enrol for the programme, provided they are a recognised educational institution, they use EOS systems at least 50% for their educational courses, and do not exploit the technology for commercial production purposes. EOS will draw ten winners of a Sintratec Kit from all registrations received by 20th October, 2017. Apart from receiving valuable information free of charge, registered participants in the programme have the exclusive choice of three modules:

The Freshman module is designed for institutions looking to learn the basics of 3D printing and integrate them in their own courses. The Sintratec Kit, a kit comprising basic equipment for a powder-based 3D printing system, gives trainers the opportunity to apply and teach the fundamental principles of AM in terms of technology and application.

The Graduate module enables institutions to immediately begin working with and teaching 3D printing technology on a practical basis. They receive a Sintratec S1 laser sintering system as a training course that culminates in an EOS Academia Certificate. Users can therefore enter the world of 3D printing in a shorter time and gain initial practical experience in designing and producing AM components.

Scientist is the module for institutions wanting to exploit the full range of possibilities in industrial 3D printing for research and educational purposes. It consists of selected EOS systems (both metal and polymer) and a multi-day training course at EOS. Within the scope of this programme and based on an industrial 3D printing system, universities can make intensive use of the technology for research purposes.