Demi X520 resin removal systemBanbury-based
Laser Lines has become the UK distributor for
PostProcess Technologies additive manufacturing (AM) solutions in the UK, which includes the Demi 4100 resin removal system, the Base FDM support removal system and the Demi X520 resin removal system.
These products represent a significant addition to Laser Lines’ already diverse portfolio and extend the range of AM options it can provide to manufacturers of all sizes. It has already installed a Demi X520 resin removal system into its Digital Manufacturing Centre in Silverstone and visits can be arranged to see the unit in action.
Mark Tyrtania, sales director at Laser Lines, said: “The Demi X520 resin removal system is a compact and versatile platform, which automates the process of removing support materials and is a perfect partner for the Origin Two 3-D printer. We know from our conversations with customers and prospects that these two products complement each other and there is a need in the market for this type of high quality, efficient and cost-effective solution. We are delighted to be working with Post Process Technologies and are looking forward to working on future developments, merging its team’s expertise with our own, to offer customers a total all-in-one solution.”
Accurate removal of surplus material is an essential ingredient of producing an accurate 3-D printed component. The most effective solution is usually the simplest — at least where hands-on operation is concerned — as it eliminates the likelihood of operator miscalculation, which can spoil a finished part at the end of a full build process. This is where the Demi X 520 comes into its own, largely automating the washing process for any part that fits within its generous 36 x 36 x 38cm maximum envelope. With a detergent pump and drip tray, it keeps all fluids safely contained to reduce the chance of spills and keep users safe. It also has a safety enclosure with door sensor, and redundant over-temperature safety system to support worry-free operation.
3-D printed parts are lifted into and out of the stainless-steel process tank on an adjustable build tray, courtesy of PostProcess Technologies’ automatic lift system. Once in place, the Submersed Vortex Cavity system (SVC) stimulates the chemical solution using proprietary agitation algorithms. These ensure the clean removal of excess resin and leave behind a clean, accurate component that is a true representation of the original design. The whole process can be monitored through the LED-lit build chamber’s large front window. An RGB status indicator lets users see when the process has completed at a glance — and, if not, how far the machine has progressed through the overall washing process.
The Automat3D software, which is designed from the ground up to manage industrial-level resin removal, simplifies the process of dialing in the precise variables required for the current finishing job. Whether optimising the working temperature, setting the length of the removal process, or specifying the tank agitation rate, it takes the guesswork out of setup, so users can be confident that this crucial part of the 3-D printing workflow will be accurately and fully completed.
Recognising that many users will find themselves 3-D printing multiple parts with the same materials, Automat3D incorporates a handy recipe system. Once the optimal settings have been identified for any material and resin combination, they can be stored for future use to save time when the Demi X 520 is next utilised.