Perfecting Powder Handling, Pt. 3: Unprecedented Scalability Through Automated Powder Handling
January 17, 2025 | Reading time: 3 min
In our previous posts, we explored the fundamentals of powder handling in additive manufacturing (AM) and discussed how automation can improve efficiency, reduce human error, and protect material integrity.
We also introduced the benefits of closed-loop systems, specifically through the collaboration between EOS and Volkmann, which enables seamless powder handling across multiple machines with minimal operator intervention. Now, in this final post of the series, we’ll dive into how automated powder handling can scale to meet the demands of industrial manufacturing, transforming your production line into a streamlined, high-capacity powerhouse.
Let’s walk through some setup scenarios to see how industrial 3D printers, reprocessing systems, and storage devices help you streamline powder handling.
Baseline capacities of the Volkmann PowTReX - EOS Edition and complementary systems
The Volkmann PowTReX - EOS Edition is an extraction, transfer, screening, and recovery system for metal powder — specifically developed for AM. It uses vacuum conveying to extract metal powder from 3D printing equipment, sieve it, and return filtered material into the manufacturing process automatically.
At a small footprint of just under 1 square meter, the system offers a high material throughput of 300-500 kg/h, making it the ideal foundation not only for single-machine use, but also for future production scaling. If you’re using, for example, several EOS M 400-4 printers, the Volkmann PowTReX - EOS Edition, will offer considerable value by serving as the powder-handling centerpiece for up to six systems.
As a supplement, the vHub 250 - EOS Edition is used for buffering and intermediate storage of metal powder before or after the PowTReX - EOS Edition. The integrated container holds 250 liters of powder from the upstream process, but if more volume is needed, up to 4 vHub 250 devices can be combined to serve one process station.
The vLoader 250 - EOS Edition boosts productivity and improves the quality of 3D-printed parts by automatically supplying metal powder upon the machine’s request. To place the powder handling operations into a separated contained area, a combination of vLoader 250 - EOS Edition and PowTReX - EOS Edition allows reliable supply over extended distances.
Scaling up for bigger operations — carefully
Notice that we didn’t mention any limit in terms of how the PowTReX - EOS Edition, vHub 250 - EOS Edition, and vLoader 250 - EOS Edition are connectable. That’s because manufacturers can arrange them in individual setups to accommodate their individual needs. If you’re interested in further details, please contact EOS for further information.
Realizing greater possibilities
By simply taking the step to automate your powder handling operations, you will create a safer, and more efficient hub of AM machines. Where you take it from there is up to you and your business goals.
What's on the horizon?
Both EOS and Volkmann are working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions for metal AM, on their own and through joint ventures.
Recently, EOS released the intelligent heat management tool Smart Fusion, which enables real-time automated control of the build process. Volkmann, in turn, is currently working on a solution that will further streamline the powder management process to boost efficiency even more.
If you’d like to learn how the most recent innovations at EOS or Volkmann can contribute to your manufacturing goals, contact our expert team today.
Get Inspired
Unlocking the Potential of Automation in Additive Manufacturing
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Read our blog to learn how automation has revolutionized the production landscape, offering unprecedented flexibility and precision.
Perfecting Powder Handling, Pt. 2: Automated Powder Handling Enables Unparalleled Efficiency
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Discover how your production process can benefit from automation through the closed-loop powder handling.
