ExOne just launched the ExOne Scout app, a secure Industry 4.0 app that provides real-time machine monitoring and analysis of production 3D printers on a wide range of digital devices, including smartphones and watches.

Now available for download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play, the Scout app is part of a feature-rich web-based program that can now deliver push notifications to smart devices about job status, printhead speed, fluid levels, temperature, humidity and other actionable manufacturing data.

The ExOne Scout app is currently designed for use with two ExOne production 3D printers enabled by Siemens MindSphere, an Internet-of-Things operating system with multilayered security. Supported systems include the S-Max Pro sand 3D printer, which is used for the production of sand molds and cores for metalcasting parts in the aerospace, automotive, agricultural, defense, and other industries, and the new X1 160Pro metal 3D printer, which is currently in production and is slated to begin shipping to industrial customers by year-end.

Users will now be able to connect these MindSphere-powered 3D printers 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,” said 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. While our 3D printers remain the centerpiece, 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.”

Future Scout releases are slated to enable layer monitoring and analysis by camera, as well as other artificial intelligence and analysis features.