PowTReX: metal powder extraction and recovery system
The PowTReX series enables the efficient reprocessing and reclaiming of build excess metal powder for applications in Metal AM. The integrated vacuum conveyor handles the feeding of the unused powder – e.g. directly from the build chamber of the 3D printer. A screen, with a high throughput rate, handles the sieving in respect of recycling of the metal powder. Oversized particles and agglomerates are efficiently separated. The reprocessed powder can be filled into bottles or containers or conveyed via pipe to downstream machines.
The PowTReX system combines three functions in one compact unit:
- the aspiration and conveying of metal powder from an upstream system (e.g. 3D printer or unpacking station) into the buffer container of the PowTReX
- cleaning the metal powder removing agglomerates and oversized particles by means of a sieve
- filling the purified metal powder into a container. Optionally, a downstream machine can draw the metal powder directly from this container via a pipeline.
Handling the metal powder in a closed system provides a high level of protection for personnel. The PowTReX systems are ATEX certified and therefore also suitable for metal powders with dust-explosive risks.
The PowTReX family includes two series or performance classes: the PowTReX and the PowTReX basic. In addition, we can also offer customized solutions for special requirements.
PowTReX in a customized design
In the event that your requirements are not covered by any of our standard PowTReX systems, we can also build customized special designs to suit individual requirements.
How the PowTReX systems function
The metal powder is conveyed into the PowTReX through a hose or pipe by vacuum conveying. There are numerous possible setups:
- draw the powder out of the build frame of an opened 3D printer by a suction lance
- aspirate the powder by suction lance inside a closed glove box or a depowdering station
- pull in the powder from a container or bottle by suction lance
- draw the powder from an IBC container
- draw the powder from a buffer container (e.g. vHub 250)
The length of the conveying pipe can be up to 25 meters and can also accommodate height differences. The high conveying capacity allows on the one hand the buffer hopper in the PowTReX to be filled quickly and at the same time the discharge point is quickly available again for subsequent tasks.
Within the PowTReX, oversized particles, composites and foreign bodies are separated by a sieve. Stimulated by an ultrasonic generator, high throughputs are achieved. In addition, sensors continuously measure the loading of the sieve with powder. The material supply from the buffer hopper is controlled accordingly ensuring the sieve screen is always optimally loaded with powder. The particles and other foreign bodies separated during sieving are collected in a bin.
PowTReX
PowTReX basic
suitability for automated
closed powder loop:
yes
no
throughput:
Stainless steel powder: ca. 600 kg/h
Aluminum powder: ca. 300 kg/h
Stainless steel powder: ca. 150 kg/h
Aluminum powder: ca. 75 kg/h
vacuum conveyor:
integrated conveyor
integrated conveyor
conveying capacity:
up to 750 kg/h (stainless steel powder)
vacuum pump:
Multijector, alternatively electric rotary claw
pump
Multijector
volume of the integrated buffer tank (material feed):
gross volume: 32 L
usable capacity: 27 L
gross volume: 25 L
usable capacity: 20 L
variants of the material supply:
· manual suction from an open 3D printer
· manual suction from a bottle or container
· direct conveying pipe from a depowdering
station or glovebox
· manual suction from an open 3D printer
· manual suction from a bottle or container
simultaneous filling and sieving:
yes
no
operation under inert gas:
optional (variant PowTReXi)
no
· into bottles or containers
(with a buffer container inside PowTReX)
yes
no
yes
yes
optional
yes
operator interface:
touch panel with visualization
selector switch
connectivity for a distributed control
system (DCS):
signals 24 DC,
OPC-UA optional
no
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