As additive manufacturing continues to move towards larger and heavier metal components, post-processing technology is having to keep pace. Responding to this trend,
Solukon has launched its new SFM-AT850 automated depowdering system, a machine designed to handle complex metal parts weighing up to 1,000kg while maintaining a compact footprint.
The new system, which will make its world premiere at Formnext 2026, represents the next generation of Solukon's depowdering technology and will eventually replace the company's SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S models once existing production batches have been delivered. Alongside the standard machine, Solukon is also introducing the SFM-AT850-E variant, which incorporates ultrasonic excitation technology for particularly delicate and complex applications.
Designed for parts produced using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing processes, the SFM-AT850 is intended to provide automated, reliable and repeatable removal of unfused powder from challenging geometries. According to Solukon, the machine offers an effective combination of high load capacity, optimised chamber volume and a compact overall footprint.
The system can process components weighing up to 1,000kg and measuring up to 650 x 650 x 800mm. Compared with its predecessors, this represents a substantial increase in allowable part weight while also reducing the overall machine footprint. Solukon says the improved ratio between occupied floor space and usable chamber volume makes the new machine particularly attractive for production environments where space is at a premium.
The launch reflects wider developments within the additive manufacturing sector, where larger build platforms and increasing levels of production are driving demand for more capable post-processing solutions. The company says the SFM-AT850 is especially suited to complementing large-format metal AM systems such as the EOS M 400-4 ONYX and Nikon SLM Solutions' NXG XII 600, which are increasingly being used to manufacture large, high-value components and densely populated build plates.
One of the key design features of the SFM-AT850 is its front-top loading concept, previously utilised on Solukon's larger SFM-AT1000-S and SFM-AT1500-S systems. When opened, the roof and upper door frame lift together, allowing operators to load large and heavy components directly at the height of the rotation plate. This eliminates the need to lower parts vertically through a narrow opening and simplifies handling with overhead cranes.
For applications involving highly intricate lattice structures or long internal channels, Solukon is offering the SFM-AT850-E with ultrasonic excitation technology. The method has already been proven on the company's SFM-AT350-E machine and provides a particularly gentle and quiet means of encouraging powder flow from difficult-to-access features.
"Automated depowdering using ultrasonics has proven itself in recent years and established itself as a genuine alternative to pneumatic excitation," said Andreas Hartmann, CEO and CTO of Solukon. "With the new SFM-AT850-E, this gentle and noiseless depowdering method is now also available to our customers for larger parts."
A notable feature of the new machine is its compatibility with Solukon's SPR-Pathfinder software. Using a component's CAD model, the software automatically calculates the optimum sequence of movements required for effective powder removal. This enables users to assess depowdering feasibility and estimate processing times during the design phase, supporting the growing concept of 'Design for Depowdering' within the additive manufacturing workflow.
The SFM-AT850 utilises Solukon's established Smart Powder Recuperation (SPR) technology, which combines programmable two-axis rotation with vibration-assisted powder removal. This enables residual powder to flow from intricate channels and cavities while also supporting the safe processing of reactive materials such as aluminium and titanium through inert gas operation.
Further enhancements include additional compressed-air and protective-gas connections on the rotation plate, enabling accessories such as supplementary blow-off systems to be integrated. Recovered powder can either be collected in a container or automatically transferred to a compatible SFM PCU powder collection station.
User ergonomics have also been improved. The machine features a new portrait-format touchscreen display that can be positioned flexibly, larger glove ports positioned at a more comfortable working height, and a stainless-steel door lining that helps prevent powder adherence during operation.
Solukon has also introduced a range of software upgrades aimed at improving usability and production management. Different access levels can now be assigned to operators, helping manufacturers control machine settings and maintain process consistency. Cleaning programmes, including both SPR-Pathfinder-generated routines and custom sequences, can be managed directly through the machine interface, while remote maintenance capability is being introduced for the first time.
For manufacturers producing particularly tall components, the SFM-AT850 can also be specified with an optional long swivel arm, extending the maximum component height capacity to 1,050mm. Solukon says this option is particularly suited to large-format systems such as the AMCM M 4K.
The SFM-AT850 will be officially unveiled at Formnext 2026, with orders opening during the exhibition. First deliveries are expected by the end of the third quarter of 2027, while production of the SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S will be phased out following completion of current orders.
Visitors to Formnext (Frankfurt 17-20th November) will be able to see the new system in operation at Solukon's stand in Hall 12.0, where the company will also exhibit its SFM-AT350-E depowdering solution for medium-sized parts.