Germany-based www.eos.info/en EOS GmbH has installed two automated powder removal systems with SPR (smart powder recuperation) technology developed by Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH to improve efficiency of its part-building process chain for application and product development at its facilities in Krailling and Maisach, near Munich.

Between the two locations, EOS operates approximately 50 metal AM systems for testing, application development and the printing of demo parts for customers, making it one of the largest operation centers of metal AM systems in the world.

With the adoption of the two SFM-AT800-S Solukon systems, EOS has made the process of powder removal more efficient and comfortable, resulting in cleaner parts at less effort by its operators.

Dr Michael Shellabear, EOS’s director of IP and technical services, responsible for the management of the internal printing capabilities at EOS, said: “The most important factor is saving time and labour cost. Setting the automated system to remove the powder means that the employee is free to perform other tasks while the system is operating.

“Use of the Solukon system also results in improved cleaning of parts, especially complicated parts with internal channels that trap unfused powder that needs to be removed.

“Customers are asking more and more questions about peripheral processes, such as powder removal,” said Dominik Hertle, responsible at EOS for periphery and automation portfolio of EOS metal systems.

“As customers increasingly adopt AM for production purposes, post-processing costs become a more important factor in the entire cost of the entire process chain.

Dominik Hertle said: “With the adoption of the Solukon systems in our internal operations, we lead by example, demonstrating cutting edge technologies and best manufacturing practices to our customers. Industrialisation is a key trend in the development of the AM segment into a fully mature manufacturing modality, and EOS is committed to lead the industry towards the entrenchment of AM technology as an essential choice for manufacturers.

“While we continue to focus on our core 3D printing technologies, we encourage and facilitate the development of peripheral processes and automation through collaborations with innovative companies that specialise in these areas, such as the Solukon automated powder removal technology.

Andreas Hartmann, CEO and co-founder of Solukon, said: “Our complete line of powder removal and processing systems was developed after listening closely to what users of metal AM systems are telling us. We develop systems for both metal and plastic powders that take the concern out of powder removal.

“Our automated systems reduce manufacturing costs, while adhering to the highest levels of safety. We are delighted that EOS, a leader in AM, has chosen to express their commitment to the industrialisation of AM through the adoption of our systems in their metal AM manufacturing operations.”

Prospective customers of EOS systems are able to experience the Solukon SPR solutions for themselves at EOS’s customer and technology centre in the company’s European headquarters in Krailling (near Munich).