PTC installs Israel’s first EOS P3 NEXT system to advance aerospace R&D

The first EOS P3 NEXT polymer selective laser sintering (SLS) system in Israel has been installed at the Digital Physical Research Center of PTC Ltd. in Haifa. The installation is part of a collaboration to evaluate polymer-based additive manufacturing for aerospace applications, particularly in areas where lightweight metal-replacement parts could reduce component mass, shorten lead times, and improve production resilience.

PTC’s research team plans to use the system to investigate serial production of polymer components that meet aerospace performance and certification requirements. The effort focuses on identifying viable use cases where advanced polymers can replace metal parts without compromising strength or reliability, enabling faster, on-demand manufacturing.

The EOS P3 NEXT, introduced in late 2024, integrates hardware and software improvements designed to increase machine utilization and material reuse while reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 30%. According to EOS, the system can achieve machine utilization rates as high as 90% and material reusability of up to 80%, depending on the powder used.

The P3 NEXT’s design includes a built-in nitrogen generator for continuous operation and an integrated monitoring interface, all within a more compact footprint than its predecessor, the EOS P 396. EOS reports that the combination of new hardware controls and process software reduces idle time between builds and enhances powder handling, contributing to consistent, repeatable production quality.

EOS also points to material innovations as a key part of the platform’s value. Alumide is one of the options in its portfolio. It is a composite powder made of polyamide and aluminum particles that can be used to make lightweight, rigid parts for prototyping and functional applications. Additionally, materials from EOS’s sister company, Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), such as ALM PA 950 HD and PA 2220 HighReuse, have been optimized for high recyclability and consistent performance across multiple production cycles.

By setting up the EOS P3 NEXT, PTC is joining more and more research and manufacturing groups that are looking into polymer SLS as a way to produce aerospace parts that are affordable and certified for use. The Haifa installation will be used to test and confirm processes, qualify materials, and integrate systems in advanced aerospace manufacturing settings.