Automatic unpacking and depowdering station for metal 3d prints
In the realm of additive manufacturing, particularly with metal 3D printing, post-processing involves critical stages like unpacking and depowdering to ensure the quality and usability of the printed parts. Challenges include the meticulous removal of excess metal powder without contaminating the environment or exposing personnel to metal dust.
Automate unpacking and depowdering
The DPS Metal 1 by Volkmann is an automated station designed to unpack and depowder metal 3D printed components directly within the build frame. The station operates within a closed chamber, which can be under atmospheric or inert gas conditions, and employs cleaning nozzles that use compressed air or inert gas to remove excess powder. Additionally, a vibrator unit enhances the cleaning process by breaking up powder bridges. Excess powder is collected and conveyed to an integrated container by vacuum conveying, preventing contamination and allowing for reprocessing. Adaptable to different 3D printer designs, the DPS Metal 1 minimizes manual intervention, reduces cleaning cycle times to 10-30 minutes, and ensures a high degree of cleanliness, often eliminating the need for additional downstream cleaning.
Benefits
- Minimize manual labor and intervention
- Protect personnel from metal powder dust
- Reduce cleaning cycle time to 10-30 minutes
- Enable reprocessing of collected metal powder
- Adaptable to various 3D printer designs