New upgrade enables Solukon to enhance depowdering of metal 3D printed parts for SLM Solutions

Solukon has integrated an optimized swivel arm into its SFM-AT1000-S automated depowdering system. Designed for large parts, the automated depowdering system can process parts as big as rocket engines and combustion chambers.  Solukon has started producing such type of machines three years ago, and like any technology solutions provider, the company is always looking for ways to enhance its solutions.

Solukon and SLM Solutions have been working together since 2021. The SLM Solutions application center in Lübeck, Germany initially started working with Solukon’s flagship machine, the SFM-AT800-S before expanding their operations with the SFM-AT1000-S.

The latter machine – which is at the heart of this upgrade – has been specifically optimized for SLMS Solutions’ NXG XII 600, an industrial 3D printer that made a real splash in the industry due to its 12 lasers with 1 KW each and a square build envelope of 600x600x600 mm.

With a reinforced body and higher torque, the SFM-AT1000-S can safely and easily depowder parts weighing up to 800 kg. Given the large sizes it can produce, the NXG XII 600’s center of gravity is closer to the rotational axis of the swivel arm when they are placed in the Solukon SFM-AT1000-S.

It’s now even easier to load the SFM-AT1000-S, thanks to the pneumatic top. When the top opens, it folds up together with the upper door frame, such that the part can be inserted at turntable height with even more flexibility – it’s no longer necessary to ”thread in” the part from above. This enables particularly large and heavy parts to be lifted easily and conveniently into the system via crane by using lifting tools provided by SLM Solutions. Additionally, the front door can be opened wider than before, which makes loading and unloading bulky parts easier, a press release explains.

Main difference between the two versions

Both the front-top-loading and short swivel arm are currently available as options for the SFM-AT1000-S. The main difference between the two options is that the option with short swivel arm enables the depowdering of compact parts with special center of gravity position and an improved part accessibility.

Solukon will launch the new version of the SFM-AT1000-S with front-top-loading and short arm at Rapid + TCT in Chicago, Illinois (May 2-4, 2023) –  booth 1820.

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