Royal Plastic Buys North America’s First EOSINT P 800 Laser-Sintering Machine

EOS additive manufacturing system will be used to make high-performance thermoplastic parts for aerospace.

Novi, MI — Today EO announced the purchase of one of their EOSINT P 800 systems by Royal Plastic Mfg. (Minden, NE). It is the first sale of this model in North America. Royal will use the P 800 to manufacture high-performance thermoplastic products out of EOS’ unique PEEK HP3 material.

“We have more than a half-century of experience creating aircraft parts,” says Tim O’Dey, engineering manager at Royal Plastic. “The new material and manufacturing technology from EOS are an excellent fit for expanding our high-value offerings to existing customers, and even reaching into medical and other fields.”

“Laser-sintered EOS PEEK HP3 components have outstanding heat- and corrosion-resistant properties that make them ideal for aerospace,” says Bob Evans, Area Sales Manager, Central Region at EOS of North America. “The P 800 purchase is just one more example of how Royal explores and advances new technologies with, and on behalf of, their customers.”

EOS PEEK HP3 is a high-performance polymer—belonging to the group of polyaryletherketones—with a melt point of 372oC/702oF. It is widely known for its outstanding material properties, including flame and temperature resistance, chemical resistance, high tensile strength, light weight, biocompatibility and sterilizability—properties that make it attractive for aerospace, medical, automotive and industrial applications. PEEK HP3 from EOS is the only PEEK-type polymer available for laser-sintering.

Royal acquired the EOSINT P 800 as part of an ongoing project funded by the United States Air Force and Navy. The company has worked closely with two of the largest air defense contractors on the project and is adding to existing military guidelines for laser-sintering by developing specifications for PEEK HP3. Aircraft parts manufactured with the thermoplastic will include ducts for cooling and heating avionics, and clips and brackets for attaching fuel systems or wiring.

Royal will attend SME RAPID 2010 (May 18-20, Anaheim, CA) and will speak about the EOSINT P 800, both at the show on Thursday and at EOS’ annual North America User Day one day prior to, and in the same location as, RAPID. EOS is the presenting sponsor of the show and will be exhibiting at Booth 301.