SLM Solutions, an integrated solutions provider and metal additive manufacturing partner, has announced a partnership with Solukon, a German high-quality supplier of powder removal and processing systems for metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing for effective post-processing of 3D printed parts.
Within the scope of the partnership, SLM Solutions will utilize Solukon’s flagship machine, the SFM-AT800-S, for the post-processing of 3D printed parts in their application center in Lübeck, Germany. Solukon’s depowdering system offers fast and efficient removal of metal powder for large applications of up to 600 mm height. Both companies want to intensify their collaboration and work on joint projects.
Post-Processing of 3D Printed Parts
The post-processing of components in the Additive Manufacturing process is a significant step. Due to complex geometric shapes and, for example, internal cooling channels or internal structures, depowdering can become complicated and time-consuming. In addition, users are faced with risks including explosion, occupational health, labour costs, powder recovery, cleaning quality and process repeatability.
Solukon tackles these issues with its unique SPR® technology (Smart Powder Recuperation). The result? Its depowdering systems remove 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. Through programmable rotation of the build plate in two axes, unfused metal build material is completely removed from complex channels and geometries, meaning a significant increase in efficiency, safety and quality – all while saving on costs.
“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.”
– Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions
Andreas Hartmann, CEO of Solukon, considers the collaboration with SLM Solutions an important step for both parties. He commented, “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.”
About Solukon: Founded in 2015, Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH is a German high-quality supplier of powder removal and processing systems for metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing. Solukon systems are trusted by leading manufactures of 3d-printing systems, like SLM Solutions, by institutions like NASA and CERN as well as by companies like Siemens and ArianeGroup.
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