AM Metal Powder Recovery, Reconditioning System at RAPID+TCT
June 1, 2024
VAC-U-MAX, GEMCO and VORTI-SIV have announced the collaborative development of the AM-MPRR, an innovative system designed for effective 3D printing of metal powders. This system manages the entire lifecycle of metal powders for powder bed laser fusion and binder jet printing, including unloading, handling, reclamation and reconditioning. AM-MPRR will be unveiled at RAPID+TCT 2024, taking place June 25-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in booths 1525 and 1531.
The system utilizes advanced vacuum technology to fully extract metal powders from the printing bed while removing unused metal powder and reconditioning it for future use. It reclaims unused powders from the printing bed in 85% less time than traditional methods, reconditioning them for reuse, the company reported. AM-MPRR seamlessly integrates with GEMCO's mixing and drying technology. This allows users to efficiently reclaim and recondition unused metal powders from the printing process and extend their useful life. This system is engineered for waste reduction, material usage optimization and cost savings-all while maintaining the high-performance standards required for critical AM applications.
The equipment package addresses key requirements of laser powder bed fusion and binder jet printing operations:
- Reclaim: Removing unused metal powder safely and productively from the build box with a vacuum conveyor. The vacuum conveyor module also direct-charge loads the tumble blender in a safe and productive way.
- Reclassify: Depositing the collected metal powders onto a vibratory sieve to remove oversized particles or foreign debris. The sieve incorporates an ultrasonic screen anti-blinding device for nonstop operation.
- Recondition: Residual identical powder from multiple printers can be delivered to the tumble blender module to be homogenized into a consistent masterbatch for reuse. Another version of the MPRR not only blends the powder effectively, but also dries it to a single-digit moisture content to improve the powder flowability.
- Reduce time: Traditional 3D printing workflows can be hampered by the time-consuming powder handling required for each build. The MPRR system addresses this challenge by offering a combined solution for productive vacuum removal and simultaneous sieving of powders. This translates to a 85% reduction in downtime, leading to substantial gains in overall printing efficiency.
- Reduce unsafe conditions: All MPRR products are designed to process reactive and nonreactive metal powders in accordance with NFPA and UL standards in a plug & play design. The MPRR products deliver reconditioned metal powders that are ready for use in demanding high-spec printing operations. Other benefits include improved ergonomics for operators, safe material handling and reduced spillage from manual handling of small powder containers or manual sieving. The portable design is easy to maneuver around print rooms.
AM-MPRR products are easily serviced with their uncluttered design and the ability to have screens pretensioned and re-meshed by the manufacturer at a lower cost than new.
VAC-U-MAX, GEMCO and VORTI-SIV collectively represent over 230 years of powder handling, processing and manufacturing expertise.
For more information contact:
VAC-U-MAX
69 William Street
Belleville, NJ 07109
973-388-2423
www.vac-u-max.com
RAPID+TCT Booths 1525 and 1531
GEMCO
301 Smalley Ave.
Middlesex, NJ 08846
800-OKGEMCO
www.okgemco.com
VORTI-SIV
36135 Salem Grange Road
Salem, OH 44460
800-227-7487
info@vorti-siv.com
www.vorti-siv.com
< back