Key Takeaways
- Beehive Industries has ordered 30 EOS M4 ONYX 3D printers, valued at $50 million, to support its metal additive manufacturing workflow
- The company's fleet of EOS printers will increase to 50, enabling it to produce engines for the US Air Force more efficiently
- The EOS M4 ONYX is a sophisticated metal AM system, launched at Formnext 2025, with shipments starting in Q1 2026
- The US military's demand for domestic defense contractors is driving the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies
Introduction to Beehive Industries and EOS
Beehive Industries, a metal additive manufacturing user with facilities in Colorado and Knoxville, TN, has received a significant contract from the US Air Force to produce its Frenzy 6 and Frenzy 8 engines. The company claims its process is 60% cheaper and faster than conventional methods. To support its workflow, Beehive Industries has ordered 30 EOS M4 ONYX 3D printers, valued at $50 million, which will bring its total EOS capacity to 50 printers.
EOS M4 ONYX Specifications
The EOS M4 ONYX is a sophisticated metal AM system, launched at Formnext 2025, with shipments starting in Q1 2026. The machine has a build volume of 250 x 250 x 300 mm and can produce parts with a layer thickness of 20-100 μm. The EOS M4 ONYX is designed for high-performance metal additive manufacturing and is suitable for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
Comparison of EOS M4 ONYX with Other Metal AM Systems
| System | Build Volume | Layer Thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EOS M4 ONYX | 250 x 250 x 300 mm | 20-100 μm | $1.67 million |
| SLM Solutions SLM 500 | 280 x 280 x 360 mm | 20-100 μm | $1.5 million |
| Concept Laser X Line 1000R | 630 x 400 x 500 mm | 20-100 μm | $2.5 million |
Market Demand and Adoption
The US military's demand for domestic defense contractors is driving the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. The American Center for Manufacturing Innovation (ACMI) and service bureau Incodema3D have also committed to buying EOS M4 ONYX machines, validating the machine's use for the US military aerospace supply chain.
Conclusion
The adoption of additive manufacturing technologies, such as the EOS M4 ONYX, is on the rise in the aerospace and defense industries. With its high-performance metal AM capabilities, the EOS M4 ONYX is well-suited for producing complex parts and engines for the US Air Force. Beehive Industries' significant order of 30 EOS M4 ONYX printers demonstrates the growing demand for these technologies and their potential to transform the manufacturing landscape.
Bottom Line
Beehive Industries' $50 million order of EOS M4 ONYX 3D printers marks a significant milestone in the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies in the aerospace and defense industries. With its sophisticated metal AM capabilities, the EOS M4 ONYX is poised to play a key role in transforming the manufacturing landscape and supporting the US military's demand for domestic defense contractors. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see increased adoption of these technologies, driving innovation and growth in the years to come.