AM Solutions advances automated post-processing with innovations and strategic partnerships
At Formnext 2024, AM Solutions â 3D post processing technology once again demonstrated its leadership in automated post-processing for additive manufacturing by unveiling groundbreaking innovations. The companyâs renowned 2-in-1 systems also remained a key attraction. The exhibit was enriched by exciting insights into successful collaborations with industry leaders such as EOS and Stratasys, highlighting joint efforts that are shaping the future of additive manufacturing.
Formnext 2024 confirmed its role as a premier international gathering for the 3D printing industry and an ideal stage for showcasing innovations in industrial additive manufacturing. This year underscored the increasing importance of post-processing in making 3D printing more economical and scalable for series production. âAutomated post-processing is critical for enhancing efficiency, improving quality, and reducing costs per partâ, stated David Soldan, Head of AM Solutions â 3D post processing technology. âMany post-processing steps are still manual, making them time-consuming and costly while limiting reproducibility. Addressing this challenge is key to the industrialization of additive manufacturing.â
AM Solutions showcased its ability to tackle these challenges with expertise rooted in decades of surface finishing and automation knowledge from Rösler. The company offers solutions specifically designed for the unique demands of additive manufacturing, underscored by close collaborations with leading printer manufacturers like HP, Stratasys, and EOS, who rely on AM Solutionsâ expertise.
In addition to established systems like the S1 Wet, M4, and C1, AM Solutions unveiled new developments that captivated attendees. Particularly noteworthy were the space- and cost-saving 2-in-1 solutions, such as the S1 and S2. These innovations strengthen AM Solutionsâ position as one of the leading providers of post-processing technology and a preferred partner for industrializing 3D printing.
Enhanced efficiency and cleanliness: new version of the S2
âWeâve made a great product even better with the new version of our proven S2â, explained David Soldan. Customer feedback played a pivotal role in driving improvements to meet market needs. The upgraded S2 achieves a 25 % increase in media throughput, thanks to an optimized blasting media circulation system, resulting in greater efficiency and improved surface quality.
At the heart of the updated S2 is the reliable PU continuous loop belt, known for gentle parts handling and consistent blasting performance in continuous operation. The updated design enhances process stability and prevents over-handling of parts. Additionally, the newly integrated drum separation system delivers superior cleaning performance, even with high throughput.
These improvements have already impressed Italian 3D printing specialist Weerg, a long-standing user of AM Solutionsâ post-processing systems. At Formnext, Weerg purchased two new S2 systems alongside an additional S1.
C1 Max: post-processing for large SLA platforms
Unveiled at Formnext, the C1 Max builds on the concept of the C1 and was developed in partnership with Sauber Motorsport to meet the specific demands of large SLA build platforms. SLA-printed parts are submerged in a specially tempered processing fluid via an automated lowering system. A combination of chemical, thermal, and mechanical processes clean the parts and also softens support structures, allowing for their easy and damage-free removal. The automated solution reduces post-processing time by an impressive 50 %, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual scraping and extensive personal protective equipment. In addition, the C1 Max uses a specially developed process agent that is more environmentally friendly than existing agents. Designed for a build volume of 750 mm x 750 mm x 550 mm, the system accommodates full platforms from printers like the 3D Systems ProX 800 and SLA 750. It is also adaptable for other build sizes, such as the Stratasys Neo 800.
3-in-1 solution for Stratasys H350 SAF printers
The collaboration between Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) and AM Solutions has resulted in an innovative 3-in-1 post-processing system for the Stratasys H350 SAF printer. The new PowderEase T1 combines depowdering, powder recovery, and powder dosing in a single unit, significantly simplifying workflows, reducing operating costs, and boosting overall productivity.
One PowderEase T1 can serve up to six H350 printers, reducing the need for additional equipment and labor. Compared to manual processes, the system saves up to 50 minutes per print job, offering significant time savings.
Optimized post-processing solutions for EOS P3 series
EOS and AM Solutions have joined forces to advance the SLS post-processing workflow for the EOS P3 NEXT series and beyond. Their collaboration has produced two machine concepts: an unpacking solution that automatically depowders parts economically and reproducibly while minimizing operator exposure to powder, and an innovative 2-in-1 system for screening and mixing the powder.
The 2-in-1 system combines these steps in a single machine, saving space and costs. It employs a unique method to produce high-quality blends of new and recycled powder with adjustable mixing ratios, even for small batches. Early results from EOS indicate outstanding performance.
