Expert in depowdering of 3D printed parts Solukon is determined to work closely with its partners to bridge the gap between the printing process and all steps related to the post-processing phase.
The latest partnership to date has been signed with Metal AM solutions provider SLM Solutions for the depowdering of metal 3D printed parts. The announcement follows another announcement from ExOne on the co-development of the X1DPS 160 depowdering station, dedicated to binder jet 3D printed parts.
In this specific case, SLM Solutions states that its engineering team will utilize Solukon’s flagship machine, the SFM-AT800-S, for the post-processing of parts in their application center in Lübeck, Germany. It should be noted that the machine has recently been upgraded to continue meeting the requirements of demanding industries such as aerospace.
It is no secret that given the complex geometric shapes of some parts (internal cooling channels or internal structures), depowdering can become time-consuming, costly and even risky for operators.
Solukon aims to address such issues and more using its SPR® technology (Smart Powder Recuperation). The process works by removing loose powder from metal laser melted parts within a sealed process chamber, using adjustable vibration and automated two-axis part rotation while recovering superfluous powder.
Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions says: “We are excited to work together with Solukon, a preferred supplier of powder removal and processing systems. This alliance brings added value to our customers for their internal manufacturing processes and is an important step towards holistic factory planning. We particularly like the flexibility of the machine. Not only can it be used with different materials, but the processing of a wide range of parts is possible. We can also easily depowder large components that have been manufactured on the SLM®800.”
Interestingly, as part of an Additive Talks panel, respective experts from SLM Solutions and Solukon sat down with technology centre Sirris to discuss the various “Costs & Considerations For Investing Into An AM System”.
While the experts discussed among other issues the various paths a qualified prospect should take before purchasing a metal AM system, it also shed light on the importance for 3D printer manufacturers to provide their customers with several alternatives at the depowdering level. And this collaboration is a blatant example of such alternative.
Andreas Hartmann, CEO of Solukon, considers the collaboration with SLM Solutions an important step for both parties. “This partnership strengthens our market position and offers a new perspective to customers. Customers who have decided on the purchase of an SLM Solutions system can now also rely on support from a competent partner in depowdering,” adding that “Solukon systems are compatible with all additive manufacturing systems.”
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