EOS expands university 3D printing programme

The Student Engineer

German additive manufacturing specialist EOS is expanding its Academia programme, a scheme to promote 3D printing in universities.

Set up over 20 years ago, the Academia programme provides researchers and academics with low-cost access to additive manufacturing systems. According to the company, more than 300 EOS systems are in use in various academic and research facilities around the world. The expansion of the scheme will see 10 institutions receiving a Sintratec Kit, an entry-level laser sintering machine for 3D printing functional prototypes.

EOS Academia programme

(Credit: Simon Litwan via CC)

“It is essential for us to prepare the scientists and students of today for the professional requirements of tomorrow,” said Dr Adrian Keppler, chief executive of EOS.

“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.”

Alongside its own systems and entry-level systems from Sintratec, EOS provides various webinars, training courses, and further education options as part of the Academia programme. Institutions that have benefited from the initiative include the Technical University of Munich, the University of Wolverhampton, and the California Polytechnic State University.

“Our institution has used EOS systems for processing metal materials for research and educational purposes since 2004,” said Mark Stanford, Professor for Advanced Manufacturing Technology at the University of Wolverhampton.

“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.”

For the recently announced expansion of the scheme, EOS will draw 10 winners of a Sintratec Kit from all registrations received by October 20, 2017. Participants will be able to choose from three modules – Freshman, Graduate and Scientist – depending on their level of expertise and the technicality of the courses they intend to teach.

Further information on participation can be found here.