Oerlikon Metco introduces new powder feeder for automated powder-fed Additive Manufacturing systems
July 8, 2016
Oerlikon Metco, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, has announced a new multiprocess powder feeder, the Twin 150, that can be fully integrated into thermal spray, laser cladding or powder Additive Manufacturing systems.
The unit can be operated in full remote mode, where the feeder’s functions are completely controlled by the user’s external control system such as a robot or process controller using UDP/IP or PROFIBUS protocols. If desired, the Twin 150 can also be used in stand-alone (manual operation) or remote on/off mode, where an external mechanism turns powder feeding on or off.
The new Twin 150 Powder Feeder from Oerlikon Metco meets the needs of many different powder-fed manufacturing processes
“Owners of many types of powder-fed systems will benefit from the ability of the Twin 150 to fully integrate into their automated system by allowing them to simplify their processing with better process control,” stated Product Line Manager, Omar Sabouni.
Oerlikon Metco’s volumetric powder feeders have long been a favourite of laser cladding manufacturers as a result of the accuracy of the feeding mechanism, even at very low feed rates, the company stated. The new Twin 150 feeder, with its ability for full system integration, is expected to be an attractive choice for manufacturers of powder-fed laser cladding, Additive Manufacturing and thermal spray systems.
The Twin 150 model has two powder hoppers, which can be used independently or simultaneously, and the company offers application-specific options that allow the user to feed a wide-range of powders under a variety of conditions.
