ExOne, known for its sand and metal 3D printers using binder jetting technology, has launched Scout, its app to provide real-time machine monitoring and analysis of production 3D printers.
The move comes as a first stage in ExOne’s plans to surround its high-speed binder jet 3D printers with a complete end-to-end digital workflow in the future.
Scout is currently designed for use with two ExOne production 3D printers, enabled by Siemens MindSphere IoT operating system, which it says offers multilayered security:
- The S-Max Pro sand 3D printer, which is used for the production of sand moulds and cores for metalcasting parts in the aerospace, automotive, agricultural, defence, and other industries
- The new X1 160Pro metal 3D printer, currently in production and slated to begin shipping to customers by year-end
Users will now be able to connect these MindSphere-powered 3D printers to Scout in order to simplify machine monitoring, receive real-time insights and benefit from enhanced quality assurance and analysis.
“ExOne Scout is an important step forward as we work to deliver on our vision for smart and sustainable 3D printing technology at production volumes,” ExOne CEO John Hartner.
“While our 3D printers remain the centerpiece, we’re looking to streamline the entire sequence of digital manufacturing around our systems with automation, software and remote monitoring and controls.
Hartner concluded that ExOne Scout is “a step toward delivering a complete digital manufacturing package”.
Future Scout releases are slated to enable layer monitoring and analysis by camera, as well as other artificial intelligence and analysis features.
Available for download via the Apple App Store and on Google Play, the Scout app is capable of delivering push notifications to smart devices about job status, printhead speed, fluid levels, temperature, humidity and other actionable manufacturing data.
