LK814_GB_Additive_Manufacturing_Polymer

AZO Solution

LK 814

Automatic powder supply for feeding polymer 3D printers in a closed loop

The Requirements The supply of polymer 3D printers with plastic powder encompasses the areas of storage, provision, screening, mixing, transportation, and processing. The following specific requirements must be considered: • Uninterrupted Provision The system must provide the powder continuously and

Continuous Production and Material Flow

• Transport of Large Quantities The automation must be able to efficiently transport large quantities of plastic powder. • Modularity and Scalability The system should be modular and expandable to flexibly serve multiple printers. • Accuracy and Homogeneity The powder must be precisely dosed, mixed, and homogenized.

• Product Protection and Process Safety The closed-loop system protects both the powder and the operator. • Operator and plant safety Safe systems thanks to constructive explosion protection. • Traceability and Quality Assurance The possibility of batch traceability can be realised via the control system.

Product Protection through a Closed Loop

Scalability for Operating Multiple Systems

Traceability of Powder Batches Possible

without interruption to ensure a smooth 3D printing process.

THE SOLUTION

Mixing / Conditioning

Storing

Screening

Provision

Discharging

How it all started

As part of the cooperation, EOS and AZO worked together on various research projects. A significant milestone was reached in 2023 when a successful project was completed with a renowned racing team. Also in 2023, AZO developed a fully automated powder supply system for EOS printers. The convincing outcome

of this development ultimately led to both companies entering into a strategic partnership.

The collaboration between EOS and AZO began in 2019 with initial test series, where functional components such as screening, conveying, and mixing were tested. In the following years, both companies conducted further trials, achieving promising results in terms of throughput performance, homogeneity, and the reduction of static charge.

AZO Solution

AZO Solution for Reliable and Safe Feeding of Polymer 3D Printers

LK814 2114 GB

Provision of the Powder • Supply of printers with new and recycled powders • Big bag emptying station with buffer container for new powder • Two buffer containers for used and overflow powder • Transport of powder to the screening and mixing station via gentle suction conveying

Return of the Powder • Conveyance of overflow powder into a intermediate container for cooling • Return of cooled overflow powder to a buffer container • Return of used powder generated during depowdering to a buffer container

Distribution of the Powder • Distribution of the recycled powder to buffer containers at the printers • Demand-based feeding of the printers

Processing of the Powder • Screening of the powder in the AZO ® cyclone screener • Transport of screened powder to the AZO ® MIXOMAT via suction conveying • Weighing and mixing of various formulations in the AZO ® MIXOMAT • Conditioning of the mixer to reduce static charge • Emptying of the homogeneous powder mixture into a container

Mixing / Conditioning

Discharging

Storing

Screening

Provision

Unique Features and Benefits

• Sustainability through the processing and reuse of used powder.

• Reliable, automated powder supply for new, used, and overflow powder.

• Safe inline screening technology for automatic removal of oversize particles. • Precise weighing in the AZO ® MIXOMAT with integrated scale.

• Flexible recipe composition and homogeneous mixing.

• Economical feeding of multiple printers possible.

• Increased plant safety by Increased process reliability by conditioning the powder to reduce static charge.

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AZO GmbH + Co. KG D-74706 Osterburken Tel. +49 6291 92 0 azo-group@azo.com www.azo.com