Laser micromachining systems maker 3D-Micromac AG and EOS GmbH, a provider of additive manufacturing products, have established a business to bring microlaser sintering technology (MLS) to the automotive, medical and jewelry industries, the companies announced this week. 3D-Micromac and EOS have been jointly developing MLS since 2006, and their first system began operating successfully at a German research institute this year. The goal of their new corporation, 3D MicroPrint GmbH, is to advance the development and commercialization of MLS and to identify and establish more applications for it in the field of microtechnology. MLS is based on digital 3-D design data; parts are built from metal powders, layer by layer, using a laser beam. The process also is known as industrial 3-D printing. The technology enables the production of parts with complex 3-D structures, where conventional manufacturing processes reach their limits. With its high degree of design freedom, and the capacity to integrate and optimize functionality, products even in a series production can be individualized without difficulty. Target applications include nozzles for the automotive industry, components for medical devices or the individualization of jewelry. There also is a growing demand for microparts in mold making and aerospace. "Demand for very small parts which are difficult to manufacture using conventional processes is rising tremendously. Microlaser sintering provides solutions for three major trends: individualization, functional integration and miniaturization," said Dr. Hans J. Langer, EOS founder and CEO. "Our timing is virtually perfect," said 3D-Micromac CEO Tino Petsch. "The current 3-D printing hype shows that our investment in the development of microlaser sintering systems was exactly right. Together, we now offer a trend-setting solution that opens up new approaches in product development and manufacturing for our customers." Petsch and Joachim Göbner, formerly MLS project head at EOS and head of the technical center in Chemnitz, were appointed as business managers of 3D MicroPrint. The company's new headquarters include a major expansion of production space and development, and service capacilities are also being expanded. For more information, visit: www.3d-micromac.com or www.eos.info