AM Solutions, the AM brand of Rösler, is going one step further at this year’s formnext event as it will introduce three trend setting machines in its portfolio of automated post processing solutions: the new S1 Wet, the S2 and the C2 system.
The machines come to respond to specific needs in terms of volume production of standard components, needs that inevitably require to take into account quality, consistency and cost efficiency.
Specifications of each machine
The S1 Wet
Designed for post processing of metal 3D printed parts, the S1 Wet enables operators to easily perform the removal of residual powder, the surface homogenization and smoothing of parts.
Depending on the surface roughness of the raw components, the compact plug and play system can produce low Ra values – especially on the surface areas of internal passages and / or cavities.
The manufacturer explains in a press release that the wet process prevents small metal particles removed from the work pieces, dust and shavings from creating a combustible or explosive mixture.
Therefore, it does not require the installation of protective ATEX accessories. The water layer created on the part’s surface prevents from abrasive media inclusions. As an option, an integrated wastewater recycling system consistently removes any contaminants from the slurry consisting of blast media and water limiting the water consumption.
The S1 Wet system can be used for a variety of post processing tasks ranging from the manual processing of single components to fully automatic batch operation.
S2
Placing entire batches of plastic components, produced with powder-bed printing systems, into a machine, selecting the respective processing program, and everything else running fully automatically. With its new ATEX compliant S2 shot blast machine, AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is fulfilling this demand for effective, time- and personnel-saving post processing with repeatable results. After being placed in the machine, the work pieces are gently passing through a special troughed belt in single-piece flow. This allows the complete removal of any residual powder. Depending on the utilized blast media, the work piece surface can also be homogenized or peened. The blast media cleaning and recycling system, integrated into the plug and play system, is a major reason for achieving absolutely clean and repeatable results. It ensures that the blast media remains at a consistently high quality. A patent application covering the machine and the process is pending.
A key focus on C2
The design of the C2, presented at formnext as a concept solution, is based on Rösler’s comprehensive knowhow in the fields of equipment building and consumables. The innovative C2 system (pending patent application) allows the fully automatic chemical surface smoothing of 3D printed components made of common polymers and elastomers (including TPU) in series. Thus, the costly single piece handling of the work pieces is completely eliminated for this post processing operation. In addition, a future, retrofittable update will also allow the application of a color dye on the work pieces.
Of particular interest is that the non-hazardous processing media, developed by AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology, permits the eco-friendly chemical surface smoothing so that the spent media can be easily disposed of without any environmental restrictions. The new C2 will be available commercially in the first quarter of 2022.
AM Solutions will showcase its products at formnext (hall 12, booth C 119).