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Automated AM powder management

AM powder recovery system reduces processing time at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

Responsible for helping a range of industries including aerospace, defense, security and construction, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is a major UK research and technology organization founded in 2010. Within the organization is the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM), which aims to accelerate the use of AM within the UK.

With the goal of optimizing and standardizing the AM process across the industry, the MTC looked to cover the entire process, including powder handling. For further enhancements, it also sought to improve reliability, implement automation and meet safety requirements pertaining to powder management.

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After consulting Russell Finex, MTC successfully trialed the Russell AMPro® Sieve Station, a second generation unit was recommended for use at its NCAM facility. Replacing its previous manual powder recovery system, the Russell AMPro® Sieve Station was installed next to its EOS M400 metal 3D printer, allowing powder to be directly conveyed, sieved and transferred back and forth from it.

Since installing the Russell AMPro® Sieve Station, it now only takes 25% of the time to sieve AM powder as it used to. Safety was also improved by reducing the risk of powder contamination and exposure by eliminating the need for operator involvement in the sieving process. Being a fully automated and enclosed system, the Russell AMPro® Sieve Station is a fast and reliable solution for the MTC. The system not only improved efficiency and powder quality, but could be configured to meet exact production requirements, making it a future-proof solution.

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About Russell Finex

Russell Finex has over 85 years of expertise and knowledge in providing proven solutions to manufacturers across the globe. Applying this experience to additive manufacturing, we are at the forefront of AM powder handling solutions. Contact us to see how the Russell AMPro® Sieve Station can enhance your additive manufacturing.

To speak to one of our experienced sales engineers about your additive manufacturing, contact Russell Finex today.

What our clients say

The Russell AMPro Sieve Station is incredibly intuitive to use, conveying and sieving into a compact unit. The reliability and repeatability offered by this machine made it the best solution for us, improving powder traceability and quality, and future proofed long term collaboration between Russell Finex and the MTC for years to come.

Vince Sparrow, Team Leader of Additive Operations
Path 8

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