Solukon to debut SFM-AT850 depowdering machine for metal AM parts up to 1,000 kg at Formnext
Solukon Maschinenbau, based in Augsburg, Germany, is set to introduce its new SFM-AT850 automated depowdering machine at Formnext 2026. Developed for metal Additive Manufacturing parts produced using Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), the machine can accommodate parts weighing up to 1,000 kg, including the build plate. The company will also introduce the SFM-AT850-E, a variant incorporating ultrasonic excitation.
The SFM-AT850 can accommodate parts measuring up to 650 × 650 × 800 mm, with a maximum load capacity that is 700 kg higher than the SFM-AT800-S and 100 kg higher than the SFM-AT1000-S. Despite this increased capacity, Solukon states that the new machine has smaller overall dimensions than the SFM-AT800-S.
Developed in response to the increasing production of large and heavy metal AM parts, the SFM-AT850 features a front-top loading arrangement designed to simplify crane loading. An optional extended swivel arm increases the maximum part height to 1,050 mm, accommodating parts produced on machines such as the AMCM M 4K.
Ultrasonic depowdering option
The SFM-AT850-E incorporates ultrasonic excitation to remove powder from intricate lattice structures and long internal channels. Already available on Solukon’s smaller SFM-AT350-E machine, the technology provides an alternative to pneumatic excitation, particularly for delicate geometries such as those found in medical applications.
“Automated depowdering using ultrasonics has proven itself in recent years and established itself as a genuine alternative to pneumatic excitation. With the new SFM-AT850-E, this gentle and noiseless depowdering method is now also available to our customers for larger parts,” stated Andreas Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Solukon.
Automated depowdering and powder handling
The SFM-AT850 uses Solukon’s Smart Powder Recuperation (SPR) technology, combining programmable two-axis rotation with vibration excitation to remove residual powder from complex geometries. For reactive materials, including aluminium and titanium, the machine can operate under a protective gas atmosphere.
Additional compressed-air and protective-gas connections allow the integration of equipment such as a blow-off system. Recovered powder can be collected in a compatible container or automatically discharged using Solukon’s SFM-PCU powder collection station.
The machine is compatible with Solukon’s SPR-Pathfinder software, which uses CAD data to calculate automated depowdering movements, assess whether a geometry can be depowdered and estimate processing time. Updated machine controls also provide configurable user access levels and direct management of cleaning programmes.
The SFM-AT850 will make its public debut at Formnext 2026, where orders will open. Initial deliveries are expected by the end of the third quarter of 2027. The machine will replace the SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S, which will be phased out once their current production batches have been delivered.
