EOS is looking to revolutionize the world of transport in radical ways. Their latest project has paired them with Gravity Industries in developing 3D printed flight suit components. The company originally debuted the suit on November 14th at their booth during formnext 2018 to great applause. The patent pending technology could eventually be a massive boon to one-man flight concepts.
While the idea of a jet pack has been a science fiction staple for nearly a century, the logistics have been illusive. EOS’ suit presents one of the more possible avenues to commercializing the concept. It consists primarily of 3D printed parts and specialist electronics, using five jet engines for propulsion. It achieves an impressive 1,000 bhp and can fly at a speed of more than 70 km per hour.
The role of EOS’ expertise was in producing “high quality parts which offer high part stability and reduced weight, as well as enabling constant product iterations and optimization“, according to EOS CDO, Güngör Kara.
Partnering with Gravity Industries
Chief Test Pilot and Founder of Gravity Industries, Richard Browning, states: “When I started to think about inventing the Jet Suit I was inspired by my time with the Royal Marines where pushing ourselves to the limits was a daily routine. For me, innovation comes from courage and from thinking the unthinkable. We are already pushing the boundaries of what is possible today and are creating the future with every day we innovate. AM is substantially supporting us on this exciting journey.”
Both companies are testing out new means of refining the suit’s operations. The partnership netted a significant cost reduction along with a design that weighs a lot less than it would with traditional manufacturing. They reduced weight by 10 % for the arm mounts by changing from titanium to aluminum, for example.
EOS polymer technology was pivotal in creating cable routings, electronics and battery housings, allowing for constant modifications. Similarly, EOS metal provided the sleek designs of the arm mounts for weight reduction. The 3D printed flight suit was also subjected to the design for AM treatment, which reduced 8 parts down to 3.
3D printing has certainly opened up the field for unusual transport options, whether in the air or at sea. The ability to reiterate quickly and reduce weight is a large part of this gear shift.
Featured image courtesy of EOS and Gravity Industries, retrieved via Advanced Science News.