As the demand for AM post-processing technologies that help to automate this part of the 3D printing process chain continues to grow exponentially, AM Solutions — 3D post-processing technology is exhibiting an array of market-leading technologies at Rapid-TCT, 2-4 May in Chicago, IL, USA.
On booth 4646, attendees at this year’s event will be able to see AM Solutions S2, M1 Basic, and C1 systems, all of which maintain the high standards the company sets for reliable, automated, repeatable, and cost-efficient AM post processing solutions. There will also be a status update on the company’s exciting C2 technology which allows chemical smoothing and dyeing of 3D printed parts made from common polymers in one process step. Visitors are invited to come and discuss their post-processing requirements with the team on site in Chicago, and to see the opportunities that exist for streamlining the post-processing of AM produced parts and components.
Bernhard Kerschbaum, CEO at Rösler / AM Solutions USA says, “We expect a busy show at Rapid + TCT as the requirement to address the AM post-processing bottleneck becomes ever stronger. As AM becomes entrenched today as a full production technology, it is no longer possible to rely on manual post-processing, and automatic solutions that provide a time- and cost-effective way of processing small to medium sized batches of AM produced parts is vital. At AM Solutions, we have a commitment to further the uptake of AM across industry with all this implies in terms of sustainable, innovative, and agile manufacturing, and all our post-processing technologies are designed to meet the demand for dependable and customizable solutions as companies seek to accurately finish their AM produced parts.”
The S2, M1 Basic, and C1 post-processing systems facilitate a high degree of automation, reduce the need for rework, reduce the man-power post-processing requirement, and enhance part quality simultaneously.
The first of its kind in the world, the S2 is a continuous flow shot blast system that is used for the automatic cleaning and surface finishing of plastic components printed with powder-bed based printing technologies. Unique is also the innovative 2-in-1 concept which means cleaning/depowdering and surface finishing can be undertaken at the same time with the same medium in one machine. Typically, in most post-processing solutions, glass beads are used for depowdering, and then poly beads for finishing. The S2, however, only use poly beads, meaning depowdering and finishing in one process step. This removes the necessity to invest in two machines or two different types of media if using one machine. The ability to eliminate glass bead blasting from the post-processing operation saves both time and money, and is another step towards automated process flow.
A highly productive machine, the S2 requires very little operator time, and because of this offers significant potential for cost savings. Designed for 24/7 operation, the S2 can handles the output of several printers. Its special troughed belt made from polyurethane ensures gentle handling of the work pieces preventing any nicking of delicate components. This eliminates the need for costly reprints. The built-in blast media recycling and cleaning system and the automatic monitoring of the shot blast process guarantee high-quality consistent results in short cycle times, even for delicate, complex components
The M1 Basic is AM Solutions’ all-round post processing solution for the surface smoothing and polishing of single parts and small batches, and is able to handle both plastic and metal AM parts. It is a compact machine, which means that it is easily integrated into practically any manufacturing line. Multiple parts can be simultaneously treated in separate processing chambers through the installation of divider plates, and the system features — among other things — a comprehensive, easy-to-operate software package which allows the storage of post-treatment processing programs and, thus, reduces the risk of operator errors. In smoothing and polishing parts, the M1 Basic also enables the creation of a perfect surface for painting or dye, which is another important element of improving the aesthetics. For many components, mass finishing represents an excellent alternative to chemical smoothing. The smoothing process is significantly more cost-effective providing considerable competitive advantages.
Kerschbaum concludes, “The S2 and M1 Basic solutions are formidable and reliable systems which make huge strides towards the efficient automation of AM post processing. On their own, they will be a significant draw for visitors at Rapid + TCT, but we are also showing our C1 system, a perfect tool for the automated and cost-efficient post-processing of photopolymer components. The system uses an optimally adapted compound combined with interplay between mechanical and thermal effects that result in a highly consistent, effective, and gentle removal of support structures / resin.”
The C1 system includes a fill level control system and an integrated saturation (contamination) sensor. Key process parameters such as temperature, cycle times and the degree of contamination of the compound are continuously recorded and saved with a data logger. This ensures full compliance with industry demands regarding quality control and consistency of the processing results.
In addition to its US-based service teams, Rösler USA has a 300,000 sq. ft. facility housing manufacturing, warehousing, and production space as well as a Customer Experience Center and training facilities aimed at meeting and exceeding customer needs. AM Solutions is part of the Rösler Group, which has been a leading expert in the field of surface finishing for more than 80 years. AM Solutions was created from this rich heritage to apply the knowledge and expertise gleaned from 8 decades working in traditional manufacturing processes to the emerging and disruptive area of additive manufacturing. Its specialist team will be available at Rapid + TCT to discuss its range of AM post-processing solutions and will work to find the perfect solution for individual customer applications.
