If you’re a regular reader of 3D ADEPT Media, you’re probably already familiar with Solukon and Conflux. The latter has chosen Solukon’s advanced depowdering system and peripheral equipment – SFM-AT800-S and SFM-PCU – to strengthen its production environment.
These solutions are very timely as the needs of aerospace, automotive, space, and industrial sectors continue to rise.
The expert in heat transfer solutions currently supports Airbus’ ZEROe project by developing a 3D printed heat exchanger, designed for hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. The heat exchanger, currently undergoing a technology readiness maturity assessment, plays a critical role in thermal regulation within megawatt-class fuel cell systems.
The company will also apply its thermal management expertise to accelerate the development of innovative, lightweight additive-manufactured heat exchangers for next-generation aircraft. This includes contributions to multiple projects focused on both Air Cycle Systems (ACS) and Vapour Cycle Systems (VCS) – specifically an air-to-air heat exchanger for ACS as well as air-to-liquid heat exchangers for VCS evaporator and condenser.
To this end, it joined the Honeywell-led TheMa4HERA consortium (Thermal Management for Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft), a Clean Aviation project aimed at developing advanced thermal management systems and architectures for next-generation hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The consortium, comprising 28 partners across 10 European countries, is coordinated from Honeywell’s international development centre in Brno, Czech Republic.
With these projects underway and more, Solukon’s solutions will help remove variability from manual processes, increase operator safety, and ensure consistent quality.
How exactly?
The automated depowdering system SFM-AT800-S is designed for complex metal components with a height of up to 600 millimeters. By combining programmable, unlimited two-axis rotation with vibration in a controlled atmosphere, the system ensures thorough powder removal, Solukon reminds.
“The Solukon SFM-AT800-S is integral to our ability to process highly complex geometries efficiently and reliably,” said Dr. Ian Fordyce, Head of R&D at Conflux Technology. “It eliminates the variability of manual processes, improves operator safety, and ensures consistent quality across production. Our cooperation with Solukon has been seamless, with responsive support and a shared commitment to innovation.”
Dr. Ian Fordyce will take part in the upcoming Additive Talks session, dedicated to the use of AM for heat exchangers. You can already save your spot and join the conversation to understand how AM is reshaping this specific niche market.
While we often shed light on the capabilities of Solukon’s automated depowdering systems, we tend to forget they can be strengthened with a powder collection unit for closed-loop, fully automated recovery capabilities.
With the SFM-PCU, Conflux will manage reactive powders, improve efficiency, and ensure reliable material reuse, supporting high-volume, serial production at scale.
Remember, you can post job opportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media for free or look for a job via our job board. Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram ! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure you send it to contact@3dadept.com
