Volkmann to launch Additive Manufacturing Material Handling System at Rapid+TCT

The AMMHAS is available as a mobile unit and a fixed-floor mountain assembly.

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Volkmann is this week showcasing its new Additive Manufacturing Material Handling System (AMMHAS) at Rapid+TCT.

The leading vacuum conveying company is delivering to market a machine that is designed to enhance additive manufacturing technology, specifically when handling metal powders or toxic materials. Volkmann will present the technology to RAPID+TCT attendees from Tuesday 9th May to Thursday 11th May.

Available as a mobile unit or a fixed-floor mountain assembly, Volkmann have sought to tailor for work environments big and small. The system consists of three elements to recover any unused material, screen it, and finally return the material to the machine or a container for future use.

In the development of the AMMHAS, Volkmann leveraged its pneumatic vacuum technology. Thus, the AMMHAS system offers the contained transfer of material from pick-up locations to the manufacturing unit, and then through the capture, integrated screening and return-to-use stations. This concentration on containment ensures the system won’t breach environmental limits and regulations, as well as addressing operator safety in all applications.

So far, the system has been successfully tested in operations using metals and materials such as cobalt, silver powder, iron, stainless steel and G.62 with bulk densities ranging from 93 to 341 lbs/ft-cubed. Both units, mobile and fixed-floor, are capable of operating in normal air environments and under an inert gas. When under inert gas, the system is designed in a ‘closed loop’, meaning the gas is both contained and reused, avoiding the additional cost of housing large volumes of chemically inactive gases. Additionally, in this version, a special configuration gas-tight electric pump is used to maintain system temperature and containment.

Ahead of RAPID+TCT, Volkmann President outlined his pleasure at being able to deliver the AMMHAS system to market, and provide manufacturers with a cost-saving alternative.

“We are very pleased to offer this system to the additive manufacturing industry,” said Hayes. “Having the ability to safeguard facilities with vacuum transfer of material, as well as reclaim and reuse these expensive materials, gives the industry cost savings that made its end product even more viable.”

Volkmann will be showcasing the AMMHAS system at Booth #1247.