Perfecting Powder Handling, Pt. 2: Automated Powder Handling Enables Unparalleled Efficiency

Innovation powered by tradition

Volkmann, drawing on its vast experience in powder handling, developed the Powder Transfer, Recovery and eXtraction (PowTReX) system for metal powder in 3D printing processes, which launched in 2015. The machine uses field-tested Volkmann vacuum technologies, such as pneumatic conveying, alongside powder buffering and screening methods. It can receive metal powder from a de-powdering system or a drum container, it’s suited for manual suction de-powdering, and the powder can either be filled into a Volkmann or an EOS container.

Due to its high quality standards, it’s used in aerospace, automotive and medical technology industries.

The EOS team has successfully been using the PowTReX system at its custom-machine daughter company Additive Manufacturing Customized Machines (AMCM) for years and introduced a Volkmann PowTReX - EOS Edition in 2024. All EOS Edition Volkmann products are specially adapted to work best with EOS Systems.

How does this benefit my production process?

Automated powder handling solutions, like the PowTReX system, offer several immediate and long-term benefits to your production process. First and foremost, automation drastically reduces the amount of manual intervention needed, freeing up operators to focus on higher-value tasks. This not only improves overall workflow efficiency but also minimizes human error, reducing the risk of powder contamination and enhancing part quality.

In addition, the system’s ability to maintain a closed-loop process protects your metal powder from harmful environmental exposure, keeping it clean and reusable, and contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices. Automated handling also increases the machine’s productive time by streamlining the process of loading and unloading, helping you maintain a higher production rate with fewer interruptions.

For industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical technology, where precision and quality are paramount, these automated systems ensure that the integrity of the powder — and consequently, the finished product — is maintained to the highest standard. With solutions that can connect multiple machines to a single powder reservoir, manufacturers can easily scale up their operations while maintaining a consistent level of quality and efficiency.

By investing in automated powder handling systems, you’re setting your business up for long-term success, boosting productivity, ensuring quality, and protecting both your workers and materials.

The vLoader 250 automatically loads the printer with metal powder, which comes either from the PowTReX system or a vHub 250 — flushing it with inert gas before allowing it to enter the printer's reservoir. That way, it eliminates the need for all but the most minimal human contact with the powder, thus preventing contamination and failed prints. The vLoader 250-D – EOS Edition provides an integrated drying module that enhances the powder’s flow properties, resulting in higher-quality printed components.