BOFA improves Additive Manufacturing atmosphere management
April 14, 2022
BOFA International, Ltd, a global fume and dust extraction solutions provider headquartered in Poole, Dorset, UK, has announced improvements to the design of its 3D PrintPRO 4 machine, which now offers wider filtration airflow ranges and expanded filtration capacity. The 3D PrintPRO 4 is suitable for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Binder Jetting (BJT) Additive Manufacturing processes.
The upgraded unit has advanced multi-stage gas filtration, with a deeper carbon bed to filter a greater volume of fume, thereby extending filter life and facilitating safer, odourless manufacturing for longer. This is complemented by a larger HEPA filter, enabling multiple Additive Manufacturing machines to be hooked up to a single BOFA unit, optimising investment in filtration technology to support atmosphere management and help prevent the build-up of particulate residue.
Airflow rates of 5 m3/min in the upgraded technology are said to be double that of the original 3D PrintPRO 4, enabling the unit to cater for a greater range of industrial machines, including large-format Additive Manufacturing machines.
Operating pressures in the updated BOFA machine’s atmosphere management and filtration system have been tripled to 96mBar, which reportedly allows the unit to overcome greater system resistance, ensuring effective performance in complex installations and multiple printer architectures. The redesigned technology has been tested to UKCA and CE as well as UL and cUL standards.
“The 3D printing market is evolving at a rapid pace and the enhancements to our 3D PrintPRO range match the industry trend towards faster printing capability and larger build chambers,” stated Katrina Clemens, General Manager, BOFA Americas. “Our filtration system options for this market are improving all the time, underlining our leading position in meeting the needs of companies investing in the benefits of industrial Additive Manufacturing processes.”
