EOS integrates Oqton’s Build Quality with its proprietary EOSCONNECT Core software
Oqton is owned by EOS’s key competitor, 3D Systems
Oqton, a provider of automated manufacturing software, has partnered with EOS to integrate its Build Quality suite with EOS’s proprietary EOSCONNECT Core software. This collaboration would be unremarkable if not for the fact that Oqton has been owned for the past three years by EOS’s key competitor, the American 3D Systems. At the same time, integrating Oqton’s solutions requires access to essential technological resources, indicating a significant level of trust EOS has placed in its new software partner.
What is Oqton Build Quality? It’s an AI-based solution for 3D printers that use metal powders. The software evaluates performance in various production processes, aiming to prevent, detect, and correct anomalies and defects that arise during the production of parts.
Integrating this solution with EOS’s software is intended to enable part traceability and help reduce production costs by minimizing material usage and waste.
Oqton Build Quality consists of several tools: 3DXpert Build Simulation, Manufacturing OS Build Monitoring, and 3DXpert Build Inspection. These tools monitor the entire production process and mitigate anomalies caused by errors in design setup, 3D printing, or materials. The solution works with imaging and sensor technology already integrated into various 3D printers, enhanced by AI algorithms, thus eliminating the need for additional hardware investments.
Detecting and correcting anomalies early in the process helps ensure the success of every build—from the first article inspection to the final part—allowing manufacturers to develop repeatable prototyping and production processes that effectively deliver high-quality parts while reducing costs.
The software suite meets the needs of various manufacturers who rely on AM technologies, including product and equipment manufacturers, service bureaus, engineering services teams, and quality assurance personnel.
Now we return to the initial point: Oqton is owned by 3D Systems, a company that has been competing with EOS for decades in the market for metal and powdered polyamide 3D printers. Oqton was acquired by 3D Systems in September 2021 for $180 million. However, in its financial report from November 2023, 3D Systems officially considered selling the Belgian company due to worsening financial conditions quarter over quarter.
Could it be that EOS, by entering such a binding partnership with Oqton, "knows something"?
Source: www.oqton.com