ExOne launches Scout app for remote monitoring of industrial metal AM machines
The ExOne Company, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA, has launched ExOne Scout, a secure app that provides real-time machine monitoring and analysis of metal and sand Additive Manufacturing machines on a range of digital devices, including smartphones and smart watches.
The company explains that the Scout app is available for download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play, and is part of a web-based program that can deliver push notifications to smart devices about job status, build nozzle speed, fluid levels, temperature, humidity and other actionable manufacturing data.
The app is currently designed for use with two ExOne production AM machines enabled by Siemens MindSphere, an Internet of Things (IoT) operating system with multi-layered security. The ExOne machines include the new X1 160Pro metal AM machine, a binder jet AM machine which is currently in production and is expected to begin shipping to industrial customers by the end of 2020.
According to ExOne, users will now be able to connect these MindSphere-powered Additive Manufacturing machines 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,” stated John Hartner, ExOne CEO. “We plan to surround our high-speed binder jet 3D printers with a complete end-to-end digital workflow in the future.”
Hartner added, “While our 3D printers remain the centrepiece, we’re looking to streamline the entire sequence of digital manufacturing around our systems with automation, software and remote monitoring and controls. ExOne Scout is a step toward delivering a complete digital manufacturing package.”
