EDITOR ’ S CHOICE POST-PROCESSING SOLUTIONS
AM SOLUTIONS
AM Solutions brings wet blasting & fully automated post-processing to Formnext 2022
AM Solutions ( a brand of the Rösler Group ) is bringing some of its extensive range of additive manufacturing ( AM ) post-processing technologies to this year ’ s Formnext exhibition on booth C81 in Hall 12 15-19 November in Frankfurt .
AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is already respected as a dominant player in the field of postprocessing of AM parts made using the full range of AM processes and in a range of materials , be they plastics , metals , or resins . The company ’ s success is based on the fact that it has over eight decades experience supplying finishing ( or post-processing ) technologies for traditional manufacturing processes , and it is able to pragmatically address the unique characteristics of AM post-processing from this perspective .
Among many other solutions , featured on the stand this year will be the S1 Wet technology , and also the S2 machine , both designed to undertake an array of specific postprocessing operations .
Daniel Hund , Head of Marketing at Rösler / AM Solutions says , “ What many manufacturers lose sight of when using AM is that using proven and time-worn finishing technologies ( optimised to meet the specific needs of the 3D printing sector ) is the best route to optimal surface finish and tolerance attainment . The goal whether using traditional manufacturing processes or AM is the same , namely to make end-use products that conform to design intent and are fit for purpose repeatably and cost-effectively . Let ’ s take a look at our S1 Wet technology which will be on display at Formnext , a versatile wet blast solution for cleaning and surface finishing . Wet blasting is largely neglected when looking at AM parts , but it is a clean , reliable , repeatable , and accurate process which creates parts with a consistently superior surface finish than alternative processes , and which is ideal for parts made using direct metal laser sintering ( DMLS ) and selective laser sintering ( SLS ). When it comes to powder removal on AM parts ( even in hardto-reach internal channels and features ) the
S1 Wet immediately washes away anything that is adhering to the work piece . In terms of surface finish , the S1 Wet promotes smoother finishes while being more precise , consistent , and repeatable . Finishes are fine and uniform , with low surface roughness being easily attainable .”
From a cosmetic surface finish perspective , the S1 Wet creates a smooth matte effect , and the less abrasive nature of process and lack of warping and bending allows for the attainment of much tighter tolerances . A key advantage is the versatility of the wet blasting process , as blast intensities and media concentrations can be easily adjusted to accommodate different materials and geometric structures to eliminate damage to part form and function . Because of this , it is advantageous for manufacturers to work with suppliers like AM Solutions — 3D post processing technology that have the knowledge and experience to advise on the numerous technical features that combine in a wet blasting process to ensure that precise and repeatable result on a wide variety of work pieces are achieved .
The S1 Wet can process metal or plastic parts individually or in batches , has a small footprint , and an integrated media cleaning and recycling system that allows the re-use of the blast media . In addition , the process water is also recycled and it can operate in manual , semi-automatic , and fully automatic operation .
Also , of enormous benefit is the fact that wet blasting is not affected by ATEX regulations as there are no dust explosion risks , a major headache when using dry blasting on materials especially titanium or aluminium . The risk of dust explosion is considerably higher for AM produced parts than for conventionally machined parts as there is always some residual printing powder left on the parts .
Also on display at Formnext will be the S2 machine , which promotes unique parts handling and fully automated post-processing for plastic components made on the full range of polymer powder bed AM systems . Users of the S2 simply place the plastic components to be processed into the machine and the rest is automatic . A special loop belt allows single piece flow and particularly gentle work piece handling , which ensures uniform cleaning , surface homogenization — and / or peening — of the work pieces in continuous mode operation . The integrated blast media recycling system guarantees consistently good processing results . The S2 does not discolour parts because the blast media is conditioned , and the loop belt is made from polyurethane .
Hund concludes , “ The S1 Wet and the S2 are just a couple of the many AM postprocessing solutions that we have on display at Formnext , and we are certain that we will have a solution that is ideally suited to any show visitor ’ s specific application . AM Solutions has the objective of allowing the manufacture of near net shape parts with superior surface characteristics without compromising part integrity . When this is achieved , the viability of AM as a production alternative will be recognised by a growing number of companies , and the technology will be in a better position to disrupt the traditional production paradigm . AM Solutions positions itself as a company working in the AM ecosystem which has this objective as its primary focus . We would welcome the opportunity of discussing your postprocessing needs at Formnext .”
A team of AM Solutions experts will be on hand to meet with Formnext attendees on booth C81 in Hall 12 . The company also invites attendees requiring pre-arranged 1-2-1 meetings to email formnext @ solutions-for-am . com , so specific meeting times and dates can be confirmed .
For further information , please visit www . solutions-for-am . com
10 PECM Issue 59