Powder handling equipment manufacturer Volkmann has introduced the 'next-generation' PowTReX metal powder conveying system.
Originally introduced in 2018, the newest PowTReX is designed to help metal additive manufacturers produce large volumes of high-quality parts using multiple 3D printers at scale.
The PowTReX system automatically transfers 3D printing powders from a container or supply hopper, extracts and sieves used powder after a completed build job to remove oversize particles, and collects the sieved powder for reuse and return into the printing process.
Featuring proprietary material handling technology 'proven effective in more than 100 additive manufacturing installations worldwide,' the latest PowTReX draws the metal powder from storage via vacuum conveying into a powder buffer, then feeds it to an ultrasonic screener, and collects any agglomerates while permitting on-spec material to be transferred to the printers. The enclosed, explosion-proof system has been designed to protect the material from contamination and protect workers from contact with the material while also eliminating cumbersome manual handling.
The portable PowTReX is said to be compatible with machines 'from all printer manufacturers' and is suitable for tungsten, cobalt, silver powder, iron, stainless steel, alumina, nickel chrome, copper, titanium, carbide dust, corundum, and other metallic powders. Volkmann has also made available an optional inert gas model.
