Simaform automates powder handling with Russell AMPro Sieve Station
Russell Finex, based in Feltham, UK, has highlighted the reduction in necessary sieving time of additively manufactured parts achieved by customer Simaform, a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of complex, high-precision components. Using the Russell AMPro Sieve Station, the company reported a reduction in sieving time from days to hours, streamlined operations, improved operator safety and a reduction of the production delays associated with manual powder handling.
Traditionally, sieving metal powder was a manual process that took days to complete and required constant operator supervision, the company explains. By integrating the Russell AMPro Sieve Station with five of its Additive Manufacturing machines, Simaform now uses a vacuum-based system to recover and sieve powder at the press of a button.
“The advantage of the Russell Finex machine is that everything is kept inside the machine, and there is really no contact during the process,” said Michel Dehez, Managing Director, Simaform. “The operators of the machine are also very satisfied with the equipment.”
Simaform also noted the hands-on support provided by Russell Finex’s regional team, which enabled fast responses and accessible expertise. Dehez explained, “Having someone based nearby was a big advantage. If there’s anything we need, Russell Finex is quick to respond and ready to help.”
With over sixty years of manufacturing experience, including more than sixteen years using metal Additive Manufacturing, Simaform serves demanding sectors including aerospace, food processing, defence, and tire manufacturing. Its AM runs primarily on maraging steel powder, though the company also uses other materials like 316L stainless steel.
