SLM Solutions and Solukon announce collaborative partnership
May 19, 2021
SLM Solutions Group AG, Lübeck, Germany, has entered into a partnership with Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH, Augsburg, Germany, in which SLM Solutions will utilise Solukon’s flagship machine, the SFM-AT800-S, for the post-processing of parts in the company’s application centre in Lübeck. Solukon’s depowdering system offers fast and efficient removal of metal powder for large applications of up to 600 mm height.
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, companies are faced with risks including explosion, occupational health, labour costs, powder recovery, cleaning quality and process repeatability.
Solukon tackles these challenges with its SPR® technology (Smart Powder Recuperation). 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.
“We are excited to work together with Solukon, a preferred supplier of powder removal and processing systems,” stated Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions. “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, and commented, “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. Solukon systems are compatible with all Additive Manufacturing systems.”
