Docking station for intermediate bulk container (ibc)
Streamline your metal powder management by efficiently connecting and disconnecting IBC containers, ensuring a dust-free environment and precise material handling in additive manufacturing processes.
Docks, Seals, and Conveys Metal Powders
The vDock from Volkmann provides an efficient solution for docking IBC containers in vacuum conveying systems, specifically tailored for additive manufacturing environments. Utilizing the innovative VIAS docking valve, it enables dust-free connection and disconnection, ensuring minimal powder exposure during the handling of metal powders essential for 3D printing. Designed to operate under various conditions, including inert gas environments, it supports precise material transfer with options like integrated weighing cells for accurate dosing and filling. The vDock’s compatibility with ATEX standards makes it versatile across industries requiring stringent safety requirements. Its compact design, constructed from anodized aluminum or stainless steel, ensures durability and easy maintenance. With seamless integration capabilities for continuous or manual operations, the vDock optimizes the conveyance of powders and granules, maintaining efficiency across diverse production lines.
Benefits
- Ensures clean and safe material transfer with dust-free docking and undocking.
- Enhances precision in dosing and filling with integrated weighing capabilities.
- Adaptable to hazardous environments through ATEX-compliant design.
- Reduces operator intervention with automatic adjustment for container misalignment.
- Maintains high product purity with hermetic sealing during transport.
- Applications
- 3d printing materials,Additive manufacturing,Metal powders
- End products
- Nickel alloy 3d manufactured products,Titanium powder components,Metal 3d printing parts,Stainless steel 3d printed objects,Aluminum alloy 3d structures
- Steps before
- IBCs placement,Forklift loading,Gas flushing,Container weighing
- Steps after
- Dust-free undocking,Partial emptying,Hermetic sealing
- Input ingredients
- IBC container,metal powders,fresh powder,intermediate bulk containers,3D printing materials,additive manufacturing materials
- Output ingredients
- powder,granulate,dust-free output,conveyed powders,vacuum conveyed materials
- Market info
- Volkmann is known for manufacturing vacuum conveying systems, specializing in pneumatic conveying of bulk materials. Their reputation for innovative and reliable equipment solutions in various industries positions them as a trusted provider for engineered-to-order material handling systems.
- Automation
- Independent VIAS docking valve control
- Capacity
- Connects up to 6 vacuum conveying systems
- Dust-free Connection
- Yes,with VIAS docking valve
- Hermetic Seal
- Ensures powder does not escape
- Inert Gas Operation
- Nitrogen or argon
- Material Construction
- Anodised aluminium or stainless steel
- Compact Size
- 115 mm height without hexapod compensator
- Operating Pressure
- 5-7 bar
- Docking Time
- Quick docking with hexapod mounting
- Weighing Option
- Optional weighing cells for precise weighing
- Partial Emptying
- Yes,using the VIAS valve
- Disassembly Time
- Complete disassembly in 5 minutes
- Application
- Metal powders in additive manufacturing
- Docking Valve Material
- Anodised aluminium or stainless steel
- Connection Size
- 4″ TC (DIN 32676-C)
- Automation level
- Manual / Automatic
- Batch vs. continuous operation
- Batch / Continuous
- Changeover time
- Quick-connect design
- CIP/SIP
- CIP compatible
- Energy efficiency
- Optimized for low consumption
- Air incorporation control
- Minimizes air exposure during transfer
- Automation level
- PLC-controlled with optional SCADA integration
- Density/particle size
- 0.5–2.5 g/cm³ / 50–1000 µm
- Compact footprint
- 115 mm height
- Discharge method
- Dust-free connection via VIAS docking valve
- Control panel type
- External release signal for valve control
- Container compatibility
- IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)
- Operation under inert gas
- N2 or Argon
- Customization
- Design and size tailored to customer's IBC
- Coupling system
- VIAS valve with hexapod mounting
- Distributor option
- Up to 6 conveying lines
- Gas operation mode
- Inert gas (e.g. N2,Argon)
- Design customization
- Tailored to IBC size
- Filling option
- Controlled by cone valve or VIAS docking valve
- Hexapod mounting
- Compensates for inaccurate IBC positioning