Additive Manufacturing Technologies Ltd (AMT), leader in industrial automated post-processing solutions for additive manufacturing (AM), and Leering Hengelo, internationally recognized producer of blasting equipment for the metal and plastics processing industry, have partnered together to bring two new de-powdering systems called PostProDP and PostProDP Pro to the market.
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Currently, up to sixty percent of the manufacturing costs of a 3D printed part are attributed to the highly manual steps of post processing the part after it has been printed. Current de-powdering methods are costly and time consuming.
The PostProDP range has been specifically designed for the AM industry, and provides a standalone high throughput industrial de-powdering solution. Both de-powdering machines are CE and ATEX certified. Differentiating features include an internally located adjustable and removable tumble basket to allow optimized part cleaning, as well as minimizing the fine particulate powder leakage after processing. Furthermore, ionizing nozzles leave the parts completely powder free after blasting. This unique design configuration allows for a safer and more efficient user experience. The systems are equipped with a recipe-controlled PLC controller preloaded with recipes for each common material combination, therefore offering a truly plug and play solution.
The PostProDP is 3D printer material agonistic and works with all powder-based printer platforms including HP Multi Jet Fusion, EOS, and 3D Systems, as well as a range of thermoplastic polymers such as polyamides and elastomeric materials. The system can be run with multiple medias, including steel balls, and takes 10 minutes to remove all the powder without damaging any of the parts. The PostProDP range complements AMT’s existing range of PostPro3D vapor smoothing machines and contributes to AMT’s vision of offering a full end to end post-processing workflow.
Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT commented: “AMT’s vision is to develop fully automated safe and sustainable post-processing solutions to enable the industrial production of additively manufactured parts at scale. We first achieved this with the successful commercialization of the PostPro3D vapor smoothing system. De-powdering is the next key bottleneck in the post processing chain, and PostProDP goes a long way to mitigate many of the current issues with cleaning AM parts. We are delighted to be partnering with industry experts Leering on this industry critical mission.”
André Gaalman, CEO of Leering commented: "Leering are experts in surface finishing with 80 years of experience in machine design and production for surface treatment. We export our machines, branded Normfinish, worldwide. The partnership with AMT will allow us to strengthen each other’s positions in additive manufacturing and offer our joint customers globally the best solution for their post-processing needs. We’re excited to offer our customers each other’s solutions and bring a next generation of post-processing solutions to the market.”
PostProDP and PostProDP Pro have been tested with customers across Europe and the USA. The systems are available to order now from AMT.
