SLM Solutions and Grenzebach revolutionize the 3D printing of metal components
The project:
Our customer:
SLM Solutions Group AG headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, and with subsidiaries worldwide.
Challenges for the customer:
Engineering a depowdering solution for the company's NXG XII 600 printer that precisely and accurately handles a build cylinder weighing up to 2.3 tons while minimizing manual intervention and remaining cost-effective - with a time-to-market of less than a year.
The solution:
Grenzebach developed and manufactured a fully automated depowdering solution that guides operators through each process step. The system is designed so that the build cylinder can be removed entirely, and the next job can already be started while the previous one is being depowdered. The equipment also enables a seamless exchange of material without cleaning the entire solution.
Solution package in detail:
Depowdering station DPS NXG:
- for cylinders of up to 2.3 tons
- depowders over a ton of powder with gravimetric flow
- with inert gas environment, two-stage depowdering, and unpacking process
- Allows for complete reuse of the powder and building of parts on the entire substrate plate without wasting space
- Reduces downtime
Including consultation, development, prototyping, commissioning, and further development.
Benefits for our customer
Efficient utilization
due to reduction of downtimes
Versatile use
due to simple material change
Safe for employees
due to inert gas environment and automated extraction
Simple handling and integration
due to easy process steps
“We chose Grenzebach due to their many years of experience in development, automation, and handling of heavy components. We are very happy with the project and the final solution, which has already been delivered to customers all over the world. We will continue our cooperation to develop better technologies to meet the growing needs of our customers.”
