[Dan McCann]

Laser-sintering manufacturer EOS and BestinClass SA, developer of the high-precision surface finishing technology called MicroMachining Process, have formed a joint company, FirstSurface Ltd., which will provide MMP in the U.K. and other European locations to be determined.



MMP applies a mechanical-physical-chemical surface treatment to items placed inside a tank. Germany-based EOS and BestinClass, Switzerland, report that with MMP surface finishes can be controlled selectively up to a mirror-like polish, with predictable costs and turnaround times.

In addition, the procedure does not alter part geometry or mechanical properties, can access cavities, be applied selectively, causes minimal hardening and is approved for medical parts.

“Our Direct Metal Laser-Sintering processes metal materials with an application spectrum ranging from prototypes to series products,” said Dr. Hans Langer, founder and CEO of EOS. “There is a tendency among our clients to increasingly demand post-production finishing options as well.” The joint venture, he added, will provide customers with “a one-stop-shop solution from design to polishing."