Published 7/25/2023

Volkmann Depowdering Station Removes Toxic Materials

The Volkmann additive manufacturing technology is designed to safeguard workers and boost efficiency.

Additive Manufacturing

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

Photo Credit: Volkmann

3D printing equipment manufacturer Volkmann USA offers an Automated Depowdering Station (DPS) that was developed to reduce metal powder waste and promote its safe recovery and reuse. The DPS automatically removes unused metal powder and powder agglomerates left in the build box after 3D printing production.

With the build frame loaded inside, the proprietary Volkmann technology combines compressed air, gravity and a vibratory action to completely remove the remaining material, ensuring the build job is clean and ready for finishing, and the build box and frame are clean and ready for the next job. The metal material is neatly collected in a container and automatically transferred via the companion Volkmann PowTReX conveying system for screening and recycling or return to storage.

Proven in 3D-printing demonstrator systems at BMW Group and GKN Additive as part of the Industrialization and Digitalization of Additive Manufacturing (IDAM) research project, the depowdering station enables additive manufacturers to recover metal powders without compromising the safety of the operator or the cleanliness of the work environment. 3D print quality and worker safety are improved, material costs are reduced and the need for secondary metalworking operations is minimized.

The depowdering station is suitable for use with 3D printers from several manufacturers and may be tailored for each installation.

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