SLM Solutions and Solukon Announce Partnership for the Post-Processing of Additively Manufactured Parts
Lübeck, May 19 2021. Additive Manufacturing pioneer SLM Solutions has announced a partnership with Solukon for depowdering systems. Within the scope of the partnership, SLM Solutions will utilize Solukon's flagship machine, the SFM-AT800-S, for the post-processing of parts in their application center in Lübeck, Germany. Solukon’s depowdering system offers fast and efficient removal of metal powder for large applications of up to 600 mm height. Both companies want to intensify their collaboration and work on joint projects.
The post-processing of components in the Additive Manufacturing process is a significant step. Due to complex geometric shapes and, for example, internal cooling channels or internal structures, depowdering can become complicated and time-consuming. In addition, users are faced with risks including explosion, occupational health, labor costs, powder recovery, cleaning quality and process repeatability.
Solukon tackles these issues with its unique SPR® technology (Smart Powder Recuperation). The result? Its depowdering systems remove loose powder from metal laser melted parts within a sealed process chamber, using adjustable vibration and automated two-axis part rotation while recovering superfluous powder. Through programmable rotation of the build plate in two axes, unfused metal build material is completely removed from complex channels and geometries, meaning a significant increase in efficiency, safety and quality – all while saving on costs.
Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions says: “We are excited to work together with Solukon, a preferred supplier of powder removal and processing systems. This alliance brings added value to our customers for their internal manufacturing processes and is an important step towards holistic factory planning. We particularly like the flexibility of the machine. Not only can it be used with different materials, but the processing of a wide range of parts is possible. We can also easily depowder large components that have been manufactured on the SLM®800.”
Andreas Hartmann, CEO of Solukon, considers the collaboration with SLM Solutions an important step for both parties. “This partnership strengthens our market position and offers a new perspective to customers. Customers who have decided on the purchase of an SLM Solutions system can now also rely on support from a competent partner in depowdering,” adding that “Solukon systems are compatible with all additive manufacturing systems.”
About Solukon
Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH is a German high-quality supplier of powder removal and processing systems for metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing. Founded in 2015, the company, located in Augsburg, has extensive experience in the development of AM systems and related peripheral equipment, and offers a full range of industrial powder processing systems. Solukon products meet the highest functionality and safety standards and are approved for safe and reliable removal of tough-to-handle and reactive materials such as titanium and aluminum.
Solukon is present on four continents. The systems are trusted by leading manufactures of 3d-printing systems, like SLM Solutions, by institutions like NASA and CERN as well as by companies like Siemens and ArianeGroup.
About SLM Solutions:
SLM Solutions is an integrated solutions provider and metal additive manufacturing partner. The company takes a vested interest in customer’s long-term success with metal additive manufacturing. Robust Selective Laser Melting machines optimize fast, reliable and cost-efficient part production and SLM Solutions’ experts work with customers at each stage of the process to provide support which elevates use of the technology and ensures their return on investment is maximized. A publicly traded company, SLM Solutions Group AG is headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Russia, Singapore and the United States.