Germany: AMP+ Brings Together Specialized Partners for Metal 3D Printing

AM Powder Plus (AMP+) offers additive manufacturing users a robust new solution via a novel business model which brings together a strong corporate network to ensure not only efficiency in production but also other critical needs and growing concerns like occupational safety during the process of selective laser melting (SLM, Direct Metal Laser Sintering, Laser Powder Bed Fusion).

Currently, AMP+ is comprised of the following companies:

• assonic Dorstener Siebtechnik GmbH
• Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH
• ULT AG

As a group united toward offering users an integrated solution from beginning to end, AMP+ unites specific skills and industry know-how each company brings to the network, from automated part and powder handling in SLM, to depowdering of parts and recycling of surplus materials—all in with an atmosphere that is compliant with regulations.

assonic, headquartered in Germany, brings a service that is critical but often not mentioned in the overall process of 3D printing: the development and manufacturing of high-performance sieving machines. These use ultrasound frequencies varying between 30-38 kilohertz. Low-frequency vibrations also mean better efficiency in screening and sieving. With a quality supply of fresh powder, customers enjoy higher levels of QA also as metal PBF production runs smoothly.

Solukon, also headquartered in Germany, specializes in both extraction and powder removal during additive manufacturing. This company, founded in 2013, caters to customers such as:

• Daimler
• AUDI
• MTU
• Lockheed Martin
• Ariane Group

These customers can take advantage of automatic powder removal from 3D printed parts, eliminating a significant amount of manual post-processing.

“Thanks to programmable rotation of the parts, these systems are far superior to manual methods and make an important contribution to the industrialization of AM production with their high quality, reproducible cleaning results,” states the AMP+ team in their recent press release sent to 3DPrint.com.

ULT, also from Germany, specializes in air treatment. Both extraction and filtration must be performed through high-performance technology, allowing for ongoing, mandatory processes in cleaning of inert gases. ULT also offers air-drying, resulting in better stability in metal PBF printing—preventing metal powders from taking on moisture due to outside humidity. ULT also provides safety compliance procedures, warding off explosions and setting guidelines for cleaning throughout the entire AM process, including finishing.

“The combined expertise of the AMP+ partners are the building blocks of the overall solution: efficient powder preparation, automated powder removal and a comprehensive approach to air preparation and conditioning. AMP+ now offers industrial users worldwide integrated solutions that are also available as individual modules – and implements them in turnkey projects,” states the AMP+ press release.

Just as in the technology realm overall, there are many dynamic—and powerful—ongoing partnerships and collaborations within the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry, not to mention research projects! From development of large-scale 3D printing solutions, to expansion in industries like auto and racing or aviation, as well as endeavors into bioprinting and the creation of new inks.

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