MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 2 Björn Hannappel, EOS
The MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series continues to explore the solutions, stories and potential of additive manufacturing (AM). In Episode 2, we catch up with Björn Hannappel, Head of Sustainability at EOS on the show floor at Formnext 2024.
Building on Episode 1, where Sherri Monroe shared her insights on AM’s role in sustainability and innovation, this episode highlights EOS’s pioneering work in responsible manufacturing. The series continues to spark conversations and inspire solutions, emphasizing how AM can drive environmental and commercial progress.
Björn discussed how EOS, a global leader in 3D printing technology, is advancing sustainability with a focus on design innovation, digital value chains, and materials.
Rethinking Design for Sustainability
What does responsible design look like in additive manufacturing? One standout example is a collaboration with EOS and Siemens to redesign a heavy, cast-metal gripper. By reimagining it with lightweight polymers and 3D printing, EOS not only cut CO2 emissions but also enabled smaller, more efficient robots on production lines.
"Because this is much lighter than before and because this sticks to a robot arm that then puts together battery cells for e-mobility for electric cars, they can now use smaller robots," Björn explained. "Smaller robots mean more robots can fit into a production hall, leading to efficiency increases and cost savings."
Another success story involved consolidating a rocket engine’s design from hundreds of components to a single 3D-printed part, achieving weight reductions, performance improvements, and significant cost savings.
Unlocking the Power of Digital Value Chains
EOS’s approach to sustainability extends to rethinking production itself. By enabling on-demand and decentralized manufacturing, companies can reduce energy use, transportation, and storage needs. Custom eyewear by YOU MAWO is a prime example: 3D-printed, individualized glasses that outperform conventional options in environmental metrics like carbon emissions and water usage.
"Producing what is needed, when it’s needed, and where it’s needed saves energy, storage, and transportation costs," Björn noted. This digital approach aligns sustainability goals with business efficiency, making it a compelling case for wider adoption.
Innovating with Responsible Materials
Björn notes that materials play a critical role in their sustainability story. EOS has developed new materials with significantly lower carbon footprints—45% less for polymers and 25% less for metals—helping customers achieve their climate goals. At Formnext, EOS recognized their forward-thinking customers with awards celebrating sustainable production.
Collaboration as a Catalyst
Björn emphasized the importance of collaboration—not just within EOS but across the entire industry. "Sustainability is just too big for one company to tackle. Even as competitors, we can work together on this topic," he said. Organizations like AMGTA provide the perfect platform for fostering these partnerships and exchanging ideas.
The Future of AM in Sustainability
Björn’s optimism for additive manufacturing’s potential is clear. From enabling circular economy models to reducing energy consumption during a product’s lifecycle, AM offers opportunities that the industry is only beginning to explore.
"Additive manufacturing will play a very important role in creating a better world for everyone," he concluded.
At MANSUS, we’re thrilled to amplify these critical conversations in collaboration with AMGTA to share how their members are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. You can watch Episode 2 now and follow the series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page new episodes will be shared every Wednesday through March 5th.
If you want to hear more from Björn about EOS’s approach to responsible manufacturing you can watch our interview with him for the podcast Agents of Change where he deep dives into the companies mission and his insights on sustainable change.
