Powder handling – a quality factor for 3D metal printing
Metal powder is the most important raw material in additive manufacturing and crucial to the quality of every 3D printing process. At the same time, handling powder poses major challenges: health and safety, process reliability and consistent powder quality can only be guaranteed by reliable ventilation systems.
Elektror supplies plant manufacturers with high-performance industrial fans and side channel blowers that are precisely engineered to meet the stringent demands of powder handling in additive manufacturing.
Powder transport and dust extraction
Extraction of metal dust
Fine dust is generated when emptying containers, sieving, cleaning or drying metal powder. If not properly extracted, this dust can pose serious health risks and create potentially explosive atmospheres. Our fans ensure reliable dust extraction so that powder residues are safely collected and reused. This not only increases safety but also cost-effectiveness.
Powder transport by vacuum
A contamination-free powder flow is essential for reproducible 3D printing results. Closed vacuum conveyor systems ensure that metal powder is transported cleanly and without loss –to the printer, screening plant or storage tanks. Our side channel blowers generate the necessary vacuum levels. Thanks to electronic control, the suction power can be precisely adjusted to change powder quantities or specific process steps.
Powder drying with adsorption dryers
Metal powders are sensitive to moisture. Even minimal residual moisture impairs flowability and can lead to porosity in printed components. Many plant manufacturers rely on adsorption dryers for reliable processing.
Our fans ensure precise and reliable control of the airflow:
- They deliver dehumidified air directly into the powder to dry it gently.
- Simultaneously, they control the secondary air flow, which is responsible for dehumidifying the supply air.
The result: consistently dry, free-flowing powder for stable printing processes and components of the highest quality.