Global company that specializes in fume extraction and filtration BOFA International has developed a new solution that would make the exchange of filters in metal additive manufacturing processes safer, faster and better for productivity. The solution the company released last year, was the 3D PrintPRO HT, designed for polymer 3D printing.
The atmosphere management and filtration technology is a stand-alone system named AM 400. It features a unique filter exchange mechanism to ensure the filters that remove potentially harmful particulate from metal additive manufacturing can be exchanged on-site without risking a thermal event.
Taking the example of laser powder bed fusion processes with which the system is compatible, the company explains that they need to operate in an inert atmosphere because the materials worked risk inducing a thermal event should they come into contact with oxygen. As a consequence, when filters need to be exchanged in these systems, up until now, equipment has had to be shut down and moved to a safe area for the saturated filters to be replaced by operatives wearing full PPE.
With BOFA’s AM 400 atmosphere management and filtration system, filters are contained within a separate housing with a robust seal, enabling the exchange to be completed quickly and safely without isolating the equipment.
Katrina Clemens, General Manager, BOFA Americas, Inc commented: “This innovation in extraction system design will support the productivity goals of businesses involved in metal additive manufacturing. This production process is used across multiple industry sectors to create high value components and products, and by enabling easier filter exchange, end users could potentially benefit from reduced downtime, meaning improved productivity.”
The AM 400 extraction system has been developed specifically with and for the metal additive manufacturing market, offering high air flow potential up to a maximum flow of 190 cu ft/min and a maximum operating pressure of 250mBar, with low leakage at <30ml/min @ -10mBar.
In addition to enhancing filter exchange efficiency, AM 400 filtration system users will also benefit from patented innovations that optimize filter performance, enabling operators to monitor filter status and coordinate exchanges to match maintenance schedules.
According to Katrina Clemens: “The AM 400 marks a significant advancement in extraction technology for metal additive manufacturing and is an important part of a manufacturer’s overall environmental workplace strategy, while at the same time helping to safeguard product quality and potential value-adding productivity gains.”
Remember, you can post job opportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media free of charge 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 to send it to contact@3dadept.com