The Not-To-Be Missed Post-Processing Solutions at Formnext 2023

Post-processing is a key step in the 3D printing process and is an increasingly important area of focus in the industry. Whether it is to improve the aesthetics of a 3D-printed part or to optimize its properties, post-processing techniques are numerous and require not only appropriate machines or tools, but also personnel trained in the process to be performed, safety measures to be observed, careful planning already at the time of part design, and more. The challenge in recent years, therefore, is the optimization of these processes and their automation, which is necessary to reduce production time and costs. On the positive side, post-processing solutions and specialized players in this market segment are growing. We saw this at this year’s Formnext, where there was no shortage of novelties and innovations, and where new players were added to solutions from players already established in the field. So we have selected for you the most interesting post-processing solutions we saw at Formnext 2023! We have listed them below in alphabetical order.

Addiblast Mars, Automated Depowdering for Metal 3D Printing

When using powder 3D printing technologies, it goes without saying that depowdering is one of the most important post-processing steps. Similar to the removal of supports in FDM, depowdering ensures that the part is fully taken out of the powder cake and all excess powder is removed. But it can be difficult to do. Slovenian company Addiblast, however, may have the solution. This year at Formnext, it has shown both its polymer and metal depowdering solutions, including the MARS03. The MARS, or Metal Additive Removal System, line has been designed and optimized specifically for the removal of final powder, even from complex geometries such as parts with internal channels. The process in the MARS03 is entirely automated though manual work is also possible thanks to the inclusion of heavy-duty gloves. The full workspace measures 850 mm x 900 mm x 1000 mm though the build plate volume is smaller at 400 mm x 400 mm x 400 mm. .

Photo credits: Addiblast

AM Efficiency and its All-In-One Solution for Polymer Powder 3D Printing

One company that is quickly making a name for itself in the realm of post-processing is the Swedish company AM Efficiency. The company has two automated and scalable solutions that can clean, color and polish 3D printed parts. The first is the CCP-10 which has been developed specifically for post-processing parts made using desktop or small SLS machines (though is compatible with any polymer powder bed technologies including MJF, SAF and HSS) such as those from Sinterit, Formlabs and Wematter. It is office-friendly with a cabinet volume of 440 liters with a drum diameter of 55cm and depth of 30 cm. Moreover, it is possible to do cleaning, coloring and polishing all in the same unit, helping users to save space. Meanwhile, the second solution, the CCP2, has the same benefits and capabilities but is significantly larger with a cabinet volume of 990 liters and a drum volume of 65 liters. Both machines have been fully optimized not just for efficiency but for sustainability as their systems do not use toxic chemicals, ensuring no negative impact on the environment. You can find out more about their machines HERE.