Assonic introduces closed loop system for reactive metal powders at Formnext 2024
November 19, 2024
At this year’s Formnext, Assonic Dorstener Siebtechnik, based in Dorsten, Germany, introduced the SPC 500, its first metal powder screening system with a closed gas circuit.
Typically, the preparation and processing of reactive powders (e.g. titanium) for Additive Manufacturing consumes a large amount of inert gas, which is then emitted into the atmosphere. Rather than conveying only the powder, the company’s new SPC 500 system also conveys inert gas by means of a vacuum in the circuit.
Produced in collaboration with a well-known Germany university, Assonic’s SPC 500 is intended to reduce the cost of inert gasses (e.g. as argon and nitrogen) while allowing the process to be carried out without manual intervention. This automation allows, for example, the aluminium version of the system to achieve a reported product throughput of approximately 200 kg/h and the stainless steel, approximately 400 kg/h
“With the development of the new SPC 500, Assonic has mastered the challenge of automated powder preparation for reactive powders. This means that problem-free, efficient powder handling is now also possible with reactive materials such as titanium − without exploding costs due to high gas consumption and without constant checks by personnel,” explained Paul Tüshaus, Managing Director of the Dorstener Drahtwerke Group, to which the company Assonic belongs.
The SPC can be supplied in various configuration levels. Intermediate powder storage tanks can be connected, and an automated powder conveyor can be integrated between the Additive Manufacturing machine and the powder preparation uniPowder removal systems can also be connected.
www.assonic.de
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