VOLKMANN, a developer and manufacturer of systems for powder handling and material conveying, and EOS, an industrial 3D printing technology company, have created a scalable, closed-loop metal powder handling solution for users of the EOS M 290, EOS M 400, and EOS M 300 series AM systems. Offered directly from EOS, the handling, and processing of metal AM materials can now be managed through a holistic powder handling approach – for both pre- and post-processing – from initial powder preparation to a closed, fully-automatic powder circuit.
Closed powder circuits can be created with up to six 3D printers in one production cell with fully automatic powder handling. The scaling of such systems can be done gradually, incorporating existing printers. The user benefits from this partnership through a holistic system for 3D printing and powder handling from a single source – from project planning to end-use application.
VOLKMANN has established itself in the AM industry as a provider of innovative systems for powder handling. Together, time-tested EOS technology was adapted, optimized, and intensively tested, and end users can now employ safe and clean powder handling in closed systems – providing better protection for operators against dust exposure, and at the same time better protection for the powder material against environmental influences and contamination; increase productivity and process reliability of the machines with fast de-powdering and automatic refilling of powder in parallel with the printing process; reduce manual work processes, with the possibility of a fully automatic powder handling in a 24/7 operation; leverage a high-performance central powder handling system that can supply up to six EOS M 400 or EOS M 300 series AM systems in one production cell; ensure powder quality through optional drying and closed process steps; and have the flexibility of a scalable system that allows a production cell to expand incrementally and cost-effectively.
In the modular concept, individual process steps are implemented by connecting several devices. These devices can also be operated individually, and, in the event of a later production expansion, can be connected to a fully automated system with up to six connected AM systems. Between the devices, the metal powder is transported through pipes and hoses using the proven vacuum conveying system. A complete powder handling in a closed powder circuit includes the following process steps:
- Rapid extraction of metal powder from the installation chamber after printing
- Preparation of the used powder by sieving
- Optional intermediate buffering of the powder in a container before and after processing, as well as stockpiling for automatic filling of the printers
- Automatic filling of EOS M 400 or EOS M 300 series AM systems with powder
- Optionally vacuum drying of the powder directly before the printer is filled
Thanks to Volkmann and EOS, end-users now have a single-point of contact for 3D printing and powder handling – from the initial project planning, through commissioning, for the entire life cycle of the system and for service, and will benefit from a complete, single-source powder material solution with the AM systems and the powder handling system which are optimally configured.
