Solukon Releases New Depowdering System for Additive Manufacturing

3D printing with metal is all about strength and durability. While it was originally relegated to the super-industrial realm, today nearly anyone interested in manufacturing objects out of a wide range of metal materials can get in on the game. Many companies have also taken on the specialty of producing and managing metal powders for use in aerospace, automotive, medical, and so many other dynamic fields. Now, Germany’s Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH is announcing a new product for their depowdering systems line to be on display at Rapid.Tech in Erfurt from June 5 to 7, 2018 (booth 2-301).

The SFM-AT200 will aid industrial customers further in 3D printing with metal, as they enjoy the convenience of automatic removal/processing of unfused powder left on bed fusion systems. This new system, made for build plates of up to 300 x 300 x 230 mm (11.8 x 11.8 x 9.1 inches), was designed with a small footprint in mind, and is capable of eliminating unwanted metal powder through rotation and vibration—freeing material from all internal areas of the parts and bed. Lined with stainless steel, the SFM-AT200 is safe for processing titanium, aluminum alloys and more; not only that, the power removed can be safely recycled.

“The SFM-AT200 incorporates the automatic features that Solukon has developed on its large frame systems into a compact platform, designed for use with small- to medium-sized metal powder bed fusion systems,” says Solukon Co-Founder Andreas Hartmann. “Customers already working with our large frame systems have validated what they require for high quality parts cleaning and hazard management, and now we are able to meet those needs with an entry-level system incorporating state-of-art solutions for depowdering.”

“In addition to a smaller footprint, the system also reduces inert gas consumption when used for processing reactive powders such as aluminun or titanium, which pose risks for explosion if not handled correctly,” said Co-Founder Dominik Schmid. “Thanks to our sealed cleaning process with the safety-monitored infusion of inert protective gas, the systems are certified for the safe processing of these materials.”

Solukon also offers other systems capable of removing metal powder, such as the larger SFM-AT800 meant for parts as large as 800 x 400 x 550 mm (31.1 x 15.8 x 21.7 inches) or the SFM-AT300, meant for smaller and medium parts up to 300 x 300 x 350 mm (11.8 x 11.8 x 13.8 inches). These systems are offered with both standard versions (meant for eliminating any hazardous dust through extracting) and inert gas versions (for processing highly flammable powders).

Benefits in using Solukon systems:

• Protection from hazardous dust build-up
• Savings of time, up to 90 percent
• Inert gas infusion prevents explosions
• Oxygen contamination is avoided
• Parts are easier to handle

Find out more about Solukon and their systems for powder removal here.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.

[Images: Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH]