Three SFM-AT800 depowdering systems at FKM Laser Sintering in Biedenkopf, Germany.
Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH (Solukon) will formally launch its line of de-powdering systems for laser melted metal parts at formnext powered by tct.
Developed in Augsburg, Germany, the systems automate the process of removing excess powder through systematic rotation and controlled vibration to release unused powder trapped in complex metal 3D printed parts.
“Metal AM systems have grown in their capabilities and the breadth of application in recent years, but peripheral processes to speed up the industrialisation of these technologies has been lagging”, says Solukon Co-founder Andreas Hartmann. “Studies by leading users of AM indicate that more than 70% of the costs of producing metal parts is attributed to pre- and post processes. Solukon’s mission is to automate and simplify the additive process, and by so doing to expand the industrial viability of these technologies.”
Designed to reduce processing time and hazards associated with metal powders, the systems are available in two sizes, each with two versions. The large SFM-AT800 de-powdering system is designed for the processing of parts with maximum dimensions of 500 x 500 x 500 mm, and up to a weight of 300 kg. Coming next year, Solukon says the system will be able to handle larger parts up to 800 x 400 x 500 mm. The smaller SFM-AT300 system is designed for parts of up to 300 x 300 x 350 mm weighing up to 60 kg.
Suitable for use with parts from all AM machines on the market, both systems are ATEX certified and come in a standard version for the removal of hazardous metal dust by extraction, and an inert gas version that facilitates the safe processing of powders with a high explosive risk, such as titanium and aluminium.
The process works by fixing printed parts and build plates onto the processing table inside the machine. The table rotates the parts in a pre-planned path to release unused powder even in complex internal channels and voids. At the same time, a controlled variable-frequency vibration device targets the release stubborn and compacted powder from inside the parts. The rotating device for the large format SFM- AT800 operates in 2 axes to free powder from the most inaccessible areas of the parts, whilst the SFM-AT300 operates in a single axis, suitable for smaller parts. Any unfused powder is collected for further processing or re-use in a specially designed container, or connected to an external sieving device.
Solukon says the systems can deliver up to 90% time-savings on the powder removal process and provide reproducible cleaning results for certified production processes. The company already counts FKM Laser Sintering, Daimler and Audi amongst its customers.
Visitors to formnext can find out more and see the systems on display on 14-17th November in Hall 3.0 Booth C78 of Frankfurt Messe. To attend, register here.
