TRUMPF and EOS announce patent cross-licence agreement for direct metal laser melting

TRUMPF and EOS announce patent cross-licence agreement for direct metal laser melting

Keywords: Rapid prototyping, Rapid manufacturing

TRUMPF, a leader in industrial lasers and laser systems, and EOS, a leader in laser-sintering and leading European manufacturer of rapid prototyping and manufacturing systems, have started a cooperation by signing a patent cross-licence agreement in summer 2002. The two companies have granted each other licences to their patent portfolios for the field of direct metal laser melting, a variation of EOS' direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

In the process of direct metal laser melting, metal powder free of binder or fluxing agent is fully melted by a scanning laser beam to build up three-dimensional objects with properties of the original material. EOS' DMLS is an already established technology for rapid prototyping and manufacturing and is perfectly complemented by TRUMPF direct metal laser melting. The new technology of direct metal laser melting will further broaden the application field of rapid manufacturing.

Hans J. Langer, CEO of EOS, explains "This agreement is a good example of how patents can be used positively to benefit innovative manufacturers and also technology users. The great investments EOS has made over the years in technical innovation as well as the acquisition of patent rights has put us in a position where we can multiply the benefits through cross-licensing. For EOS this agreement brings a further strengthening of our technology position by the acquisition of additional patent rights and know-how from TRUMPF. The market benefits from two companies which invest their resources together in developing new and improved technologies."

For more information, visit our Web sites: www.trumpf.com; www.eos.info