3D METAL PRINTER

YOUR WAY TO SECURE POWDER MANAGEMENT

The most important facts at a glance:

  • Laser source: IPG laser with 200 W
  • innovative cartridge system
  • focus diameter: 50 µm
  • all-in-one software solution
  • material database
  • filter systems for reactive materials and precious metals
  • achievable material density: >99,9 %

Sample printing Technical data


3D METAL PRINTING WITH QUALITY: THE LASER SYSTEMS FROM ALPHA LASER

The AL3D-METAL makes it possible to produce complex objects from metal quickly and precisely. By means of 3D metal printing, you produce components for high quality requirements, which are manufactured very precisely and grant an enormous freedom of design and geometry. The closed powder circuit of this metal printer increases work safety, because the operator does not come into contact with the powder during the entire printing process. The small build platform size of the AL-3D enables powder-saving printing of precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver. This makes the AL3D-METAL ideal for jewelry manufacturing companies. A large database of verified parameters for stainless steels, cobalt chrome, reactive materials such as titanium, as well as for various precious metals is available to ALPHA LASER customers.

A big advantage is the fast powder change with short cleaning of the system. With its small footprint of 600 * 617 mm, the 3D metal printer is also suitable for companies with limited space.

HIGH-QUALITY METAL PRODUCTION WITH THE 3D METAL PRINTER FROM ALPHA LASER

 

With the AL3D-METAL 200 3D metal printer, there are few limits to what you can do: you do the creative work, the 3D metal printer turns it into a product. Numerous metal production companies already use the innovative printing process and produce custom-made components. You too can benefit from high quality and maximum geometrical freedom with the AL3D-METAL 200: The ALPHA LASER 3D metal printer impresses not only with its product features, such as the F-theta focusing lens made of quartz, the All-In-One software, the innovative cartridge system, the filter system and the closed powder circuit, but also with the manufacturing process itself: Powder bed-based laser melting ensures high densities of >99.9%, so that the mechanical properties of the component produced by 3D metal printing match the material properties of the starting material. In addition, additive manufacturing of metal achieves a high powder yield, which makes metal production with the AL3D-METAL 200 resource-efficient.

 

The AL3D-METAL 200 3D metal printer combines these advantages:

  • Safe working due to closed powder circuit: No contact with the powder during the entire process (filling the cartridge, printing process and removal of the printed component) - a plus for your work safety!
  • Innovative cartridge system: fast powder change, short cleaning time of the system (only approx. 15 minutes), different size cartridges (two different cartridge diameters with three different cartridge heights).
  • Service-friendly: the mechanics are located in the cartridge, thus no machine downtime - simply return the cartridge for repair, insert a replacement cartridge and continue working.
  • All-in-one software: the software includes everything you need for the best print results, from support generation to the post-processor.
  • Resource-saving: Due to additive manufacturing of metal with high powder yield & possibility of recycling.
  • Closed gas circuit: Gas consumption < 5 l/min. The purge function with 20 l/min floods the working chamber in about 10 minutes.
  • Multi-material printing: different materials can be combined.
  • Filter system: available for reactive materials & precious metals
  • small & compact: footprint of 600 x 617 mm
  • Design & geometry freedom: Maximum individuality in design & geometry
  • Printing technology: powder bed based laser melting achieves a material density of >99.9%.

 

Advantages
Workflow

THIS IS HOW 3D METAL PRINTING WORKS WITH THE AL3D-METAL 200

Place an empty reservoir cartridge in the AL3D-CABIN and fill it with the desired powder.

Once the cartridge is filled, place it in the left slot of the AL3D-METAL and one empty cartridge each in the middle and right slot of the printer

Preparation and start of the printing process

1. load the 3D model in the AL3D-METAL 200 via USB or via the network.
2. generate the laser paths with the integrated post-processor and slicer. A layer-by-layer visualization of the laser vectors is also possible.
Flood the process chamber with inert gas.
4. start the coating routine for powder bed preparation
5. start the printing

Remove the cartridge with the printed component from the AL3D-METAL and insert it into the AL3D-CABIN.

Now separate the component from the powder and recycle the remaining powder to reuse it.

Post-process the component if necessary.

AL3D-METAL

Laser

Thanks to the IPG fiber laser with 200 watts and the F-theta lens made of quartz, the AL3D-METAL 200 has a high laser power and ensures optimal printing results. The fine 50 µm laser spot and the high beam quality of the 3D printer for metal are also suitable to produce very fine and complex geometries and enable maximum design freedom. Thanks to its small footprint, the printer can be integrated almost anywhere, and the combined mixed printing of different materials rounds off the printing performance of the metal printer for 3D manufacturing. In addition, powder bed-based laser melting enables a material density of >99.9 % - regardless of whether ALPHA LASER certified powder is used together with the associated parameters, or whether the powder and parameter determination is made independently. In addition, metal production with the 3D metal printer is resource-saving: because additive manufacturing of metal enables a high powder yield and recycling.

Cartridge

Fast, safe and uncomplicated,  this is guaranteed by the innovative cartridge system of this metal 3D-printer. Even with frequent powder changes, the 3D metal printer is set up in the shortest possible time: Simply fill the cartridge with the desired metal powder, insert it into the metal 3D-printer, select the appropriate print file and start the process. 

You have the option of using the preset material parameters or creating individual parameters. This freedom offers high flexibility for tasks in research and development as well as for certified production environments.

In addition, the cartridge system is not only user-friendly, but also versatile: two different cartridge diameters and three different cartridge heights allow optimal powder use. For example, the small cartridge is ideal for printing with precious metals and it can be kept in a safe.

Software

3D metal printing has never been easier thanks to the All-In-One software: software and hardware are combined in the AL3D-METAL 200. The production software guides you through all processes and can be adjusted to individual requirements in a short time. This means that no third-party software is necessary, and you receive software and hardware from a single source. The CAD data is transferred to the intelligent software AL3D-OS. 3D data can be imported, arranged, and provided with support structures in an uncomplicated way. Of course, you do not have to do without your CAD software. It can be used as usual to create models and support structures.


The open interface allows the use of external software for print job preparation.


Ideal for R&D is the possibility to change parameters during the printing process. This enables efficient process development and powder evaluation, while the 3D printing task proceeds quickly and safely.

Filter System

In addition to the common filter, which is also suitable for reactive materials, the filter system of the AL3D-METAL 200 includes another filter made of fully incinerable materials. This you should use when printing precious metals whose residues you can afterwards recover in refineries.

The filter system automatically closes itself during removal which makes the printer even safer and eliminates "burning filters".

AL3D-CABIN

Unpacking Station

The AL3D-CABIN is used both for filling and unpacking the cartridge. Once the component is printed, the cartridge is inserted into the AL3D-CABIN Unpacking Station and the component gets separated from the powder manually. The excess powder can be collected in a second cartridge or a collection container. The integrated suction device of the 3D metal printer including connection for external powder suction devices, offers the common possibilities for the recycling of powder residues.

YOU CAN WORK CREATIVELY - THE AL3D-METAL SYSTEM TURNS IT INTO A PRODUCT

TECHNICAL DATA FOR IDEAL RESULTS

Printing speed, precision and safety characterize the 3D metal printer and ensure optimum printing results. Here you will find technical information about our laser systems.

  • AL3D-METAL 200-100
  • AL3D-METAL 200-50
  • AL3D-METAL 200-100 - Download data sheet
    • Software
      Operation15.6“ Touchscreen, keyboard and mouse possilble
      ConnectivityEthernet; 2 × USB
      SoftwareAL3D-OS, offline version for project creation, TeamViewer remote access
      Externe softwareAutodesk Netfabb
      Materialise Magics
      CIM Systems Pyramis
      Open software interface for external post processing
    • Materials
      AlloysIron alloys
      Nickel-based alloys
      Cobalt-chrome alloys
      Precious metals
      Reactive metals/more on demand
      Achievable component density> 99 %
      Construction volumeØ 100 mm; Z 85 mm
      Ø 100 mm; Z 120 mm
      Layer thickness10-50 µm
    • External Connections
      Electrical connection230 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz, max. 16 A
      Permissable humiditymax. 70 %
      Permissable ambient temperature15–30° C
      Protective gas/argon (necessary connection)4.5-6 bar input pressure, Ø 6 mm hose fitting
      Gas consumption during operation<5 L/min
      Purge funktion 20 L/min

       

    • Cabin
      Connection for ext. vacuum cleanerNW32 connection
    • External Dimensions
      Weight180 kg
      W × D × H600 × 617 × 1770 mm
    • External Dimensions Cabin
      Weight100 kg
      W × D × H600 × 617 × 1770 mm
    • Laser & Optic
      Laser type / wave lengthFiber laser 200 W CW, 1070 nm
      Welding spot Ø50 µm
      Scan speedmax. 5 m/s
      Process parametersOpen access to machine and process parameters
  • AL3D-METAL 200-50 - Download data sheet
    • Software
      Operation15.6“ Touchscreen, keyboard and mouse possilble
      ConnectivityEthernet; 2 × USB
      SoftwareAL3D-OS, offline version for project creation, TeamViewer remote access
      Externe softwareAutodesk Netfabb
      Materialise Magics
      CIM Systems Pyramis
      Open software interface for external post processing
    • Materials
      AlloysIron alloys
      Nickel-based alloys
      Cobalt-chrome alloys
      Precious metals
      Reactive metals/more on demand
      Achievable component density> 99 %
      Construction volumeØ 50 mm; Z 50 mm
      Ø 50 mm; Z 85 mm
      Layer thickness10-50 µm
    • External Connections
      Electrical connection230 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz, max. 16 A
      Permissable humiditymax. 70 %
      Permissable ambient temperature15–30° C
      Protective gas/argon (necessary connection)4.5-6 bar input pressure, Ø 6 mm hose fitting
      Gas consumption during operation<5 L/min
      Purge funktion 20 L/min

       

    • Cabin
      Connection for ext. vacuum cleanerNW32 connection
    • External Dimensions Cabin
      Weight100 kg
      W × D × H600 × 617 × 1770 mm
    • Laser & Optic
      Laser type / wave lengthFiber laser 200 W CW, 1070 nm
      Welding spot Ø50 µm
      Scan speedmax. 5 m/s
      Process parametersOpen access to machine and process parameters
FAQ

3D PRINTING – GENERAL INFORMATION:

Which are the advantages of 3D-printing /additive manufacturing?

 There are several aspects which show significant advantages: 

Functional integration: 3D-printing can be used to realize internal cooling channels or rotating/moving elements in the component. 

Monolithic assemblies: Complex assemblies can be printed as one part, reducing the number of parts and can thus result in significant cost savings. 

Complex geometries: 3D-printing offers the ability to produce objects with complex surfaces and intricate geometries. 3D-printing is making a particular contribution in the field of medical technology and medical aids. Medical technology increasingly requires patient-specific products with complex free-form shapes. 3D-printed parts such as partial dentures, crown and bridge frameworks, implants and templates offer significant advantages here compared to conventional processes. 

But printed parts are also used in the production of tools/injection molds. These are mostly small components for the actual molds (inserts or cooling channels) 

Lightweight construction: The largest field of application for 3D printing is in the area of lightweight construction. Whenever weight or the number of components needs to be reduced, metal 3D-printing can show its strengths. Above all, the fields of aerospace technology or racing benefit from this. In this area, the high degree of design freedom means that complex, production-related designs can be simplified, thus saving costs and also weight. 

Sustainability: Almost all of the base material is used. This results in little waste, which would have to be recycled again in an energy-intensive process. 

MASCHINE AND TECHNOLOGY

How does the AL3D-METAL differ from other systems on the market? What makes it special?

We work with a cartridge concept. The cartridges contain/collect the powder, providing a closed powder circuit. The cartridges themselves are sealed and open themselves when being inserted into the system. Likewise, they close when removed. 

The entire mechanics and the positioning motor for the build platform are located in the cartridges. This ensures that the user has no direct contact with the powder. 

The safety and health of the user is our top priority. 

The metal powders used in additive manufacturing with the printer have very fine grain sizes and can be harmful or reactive. This usually requires special technical equipment and also personal protective equipment (PPE). With the AL3D-METAL system, the entire powder handling is safely located in closed build chambers, cartridges and powder containers. This is unique on the market and redefines the standard of occupational safety in additive manufacturing. 

 

Where is the AL3D-METAL manufactured?

The development and production of the systems take place exclusively in Germany. As far as possible, we obtain the components from local producers and thus support the local economy. The machines are manufactured at ALPHA LASER GmbH in Puchheim. 

 

When will the AL3D-Printer amortize itself?

On request you will receive a sample calculation, which will be adapted to your experience and daily needs. This gives you a very precise machine and material calculation. 

 

The complete system consists of what?

The system consists of the printer, der unpacking station and 3 cartridges 

 

Is it necessary to buy the unpacking station as well?

Yes, that is the concept of our safe powder handling. As soon as you work without an unpacking station, you will come into direct contact with the powder. 

The intention of our "cycle" concept is to prevent you or your employees from coming into contact with the metal powder used, which often has very fine grain sizes and is harmful or reactive. 

 

Which laser source is contained in the AL3D-METAL?

We use a 200 W fiber laser from company IPG. 

If required, is another wattage available?

Only 200 W maximum power is used in this system. The laser power can be set before and during the printing process and varied during the process. 

What laser power is required?

This depends on the material used. Significantly more energy is required for highly reflective material than for highly absorbent material (see parameter list with materials which we have already tested). Performance also depends on desired resolution and build-up speed. The greater the layer thickness, the lower the resolution and the higher the power required. Quality vs Speed: 

How big is the laser spot?

The laser system has a spot size of 50 µm. 

 

Can the size of the laser spot be changed?

Yes and no. 

In order to get the best density and the best fine structure, our spot size is fixed at 50 µm. However, we do have the option of setting up a parameter called "De-focussing" that allows the 50 µm spot to be defocused in percentage, plus and minus. 

This allows a different spot size to be generated in or on the powder surface. 

 

What are the smallest structures that can be printed?

With a spot of 50 µm, it still depends on the set layer thicknesses/heights. We print in the layer height between 10 µm - 50 µm. But this also happens depending on the power, because the laser spot does not reflect the melt pool width. 

 

Which density can be achieved?

We achieve a density of > 99%. 

What kind of file formats are supported?

STL

What kind of cooling does the laser system have?

The laser is air cooled. 

What’s the warranty?

The warranty for fiber laser systems is 24 months. 

What kind of coater blade or what kind of recoater is used with the AL3D?

We use a precision guide with a high temperature silicone rubber lip. This enables a good and homogeneous coating and is process-stable and very durable at the same time. If there are special requirements for other materials, this can be easily implemented. 

 

How many cartridges are required?

The system requires 3 cartridges. 

One cartridge serves as a powder reservoir, another as a construction platform and the third as a collection container for the superfluous powder. 

However, each cartridge can take on any job in the printer, since they are mechanically identical, but differ in the programming that is carried out in the unpacking station (the use of each individual cartridge is defined in the AL3D-CABIN). The starting position of the construction platform in the Z-axis is defined and programmed here (pressing a button saves the position of the platform). 

This means that the collection container cartridge could, provided the powder is not contaminated, be removed after printing and placed in the position of the powder reservoir. For each material / powder we recommend 3 cartridges to avoid possible cross-contamination. 

 

How is the cartridge constructed?

The cartridge contains a motor at the bottom and a precision jack that moves the platform in the Z-axis. The cartridge also has a programmable memory chip. 

How can the cartridge be programmed?

The "zero points" of the platform are defined in the unpacking station and stored on a chip in the cartridge. The filling quantity and other material data can be saved on the cartridge and used for communication between the printer, unpacking station and cartridge. 

Which cartridge sizes and diameters are offered?

First, there are two cartridge diameters (50 mm | 100 mm). 

The 50 mm cartridge is ideal for printing with expensive precious metals and can be safely stored in the safe with its precious metal content. For this we offer the AL3D-METAL 200-50 with a diameter of 50 mm and an effective print height of 85 mm. 

For dental applications, machine and tool construction, we recommend the AL3D-METAL 200-100 system with a 100 mm diameter of the construction platform and 85 mm, 120 mm and in the future with 190 mm effective pressure height. 

Can the system be operated with nitrogen instead of argon?

The user selects the appropriate shielding gas for the process. However, only inert gases may be used. Argon or nitrogen are the most commonly used gases. However, mixtures such as argon-helium are also possible. 

Which type of argon is recommended?

We use argon with a purity between 4.6 - 5.0. You can say: the purer the gas, the better. The required purity depends on the material, since metals have different oxidation tendencies. Stainless steel or cobalt-chrome, for example, is printed with a residual oxygen content of between 0.1 - 0.5%. Titanium, on the other hand, is processed with less than 0.1% residual oxygen. 

How much protection gas gets consumed?

The system needs approx. 5 liters / min in operation (O2 < 0.5%), depending on the required residual oxygen level. When the system is flooded to start with, the consumption is higher. 

What are the quality requirements for the nitrogen?

We recommend Argon 4.6 (DIN EN ISO 14175, purity 99.996%) for most materials. Argon 5.0 costs more than 3 times compared to 4.6 (99.996%)! 

What are the requirements for the integrated recirculation filter?

Extraction and filters need to be adapted according to the material used: Reactive materials require appropriate extraction filters. These must comply with the safety regulations for reactive materials. Our filters are equipped for this as standard. 

For precious metals we have organic filters for replacement that are fully incinerable. 

 

How does the machine filter treat reactive and non-reactive powders?

We have two filter systems: The standard filter system is at the highest safety level for reactive materials (sealed metal box) and can be used for all metals. It is a metal box that self-locks when you take it out and has the filter integrated into it. This reduces the risk of fire or explosion to a minimum when removing the filter. 

While removing, a special mechanism closes the tube opening in the filter so that no dust can escape (but still wear a mask). The complete filter box can be removed in this way. You can put it back into the printer when you're done with your foreign metal print. 

The special filter box for precious metals, on the other hand, can be opened in order to later remove the wood filter unit from the metal box. This is ideal for recycling and recovering expensive powders (wear personal protective equipment) 

When switching between regular steel and/or reactive materials (Ti) and precious metal, use a separate filter box for each. 

 

Are printing parameters for various metals available?

Yes, we have currently developed with our machine more than 12 materials (further in work) for various applications. Depending on the material and the development status a certain amount will be charged. 

 

SOFTWARE

Is an additional software required?

No. 

The printer software provides a complete system for loading 3D data and creating a print project. To prepare the print projects offline on a separate PC, we offer an optional desktop version. 

 

Can external software be used to create print jobs?

Yes 

We currently support the following three software solutions, from which the entire print project, including the layer data and laser paths, can be generated directly. 

  •  Materialise Magics 
  •  Autodesk Netfabb 
  •  CIMsystems Pyramis 

In addition, we offer an open communication interface so that your own G-code-based print data can also be read. 

HANDLING & WORKFLOW

How is the data transferred to the machine?

The transfer takes place via a USB-Stick. In addition, the fully prepared project can also be loaded from the network (if connected).

What maintenance work needs to be carried out on the machine?

The laser itself is maintenance free. 

The protective glass in the process chamber in front of the scanner must be cleaned regularly (every 1-3 prints). 

The process chamber should be vacuumed/cleaned regularly. Every 1-10 prints, depending on the degree of soiling or before a material change. 

Replace the coater lip regularly, every 10 prints at the latest. 

The machine's air intakes should be cleaned of dust regularly so that a sufficient amount of air can be sucked in to cool the laser. 

The circulating air filter must be replaced when the machine brings the message. 

How often does the suction filter need to be changed?

We work with low inert gas flow during the process and only minimal residue ends up in the filter. 

The printer will alert you when it is time to change the filter. 

How does the non-contact process for filling the cartridges and sieving the used powder work? And how is powder refilled?

For filling

An empty cartridge is inserted into the AL3D-CABIN. The lid will open automatically. Then the cartridge is integrated into the machine by turning it until it is tightly connected to the construction level. Now open the door at the top of the "AL3D-CABIN", place your powder bottle in the chamber and close the safety door. After that, use the gloves on the machine to work in the chamber. There you can open the bottle with the powder and fill the cartridge. Close the bottle with the powder and take out the filled cartridge. During this process, the cartridge lid closes automatically, sealing the powder. 

Now insert the filled cartridge into the first slot of the printer. 

All the necessary information, such as amount of powder, position of the platform, is stored in the cartridge's memory, and the printer knows whether you have enough powder for your print or not. 

About sieving

It's the same process, just in reverse. After printing, insert the cartridge into the "AL3D-CABIN" and move the platform with the component upwards. The component and the remaining powder come out. Using a brush, the excess powder is collected in a metal bottle attached to the bottom of the overflow funnel. This bottle can be fitted with a KF40 connector which is also a standard strainer station connector. 

The bottle has a manual valve to close the bottle. 

To load the powder into a sieve station, turn the bottle upside down, connect it to the sieve inlet and open the valve. The powder then flows into the sieving station and is sieved. 

If you don't want the powder to be sieved, it is also possible to use plastic bottles to collect the powder to use it a second time or send it back for recycling. 

Does the cartridge always needs to be filled completely?

No. The cartridge reports the actual position of the platform in the cartridge to the software. With this information, the printer knows how much powder / travel of the powder platform is available and calculates whether this is sufficient for the current build job. 

Can the print be interrupted to refill powder?

Yes The printing process pauses automatically as soon as the powder is empty. The empty cartridge can be removed from the printer and a newly filled cartridge inserted. Printing will then continue at that point. This process can also be triggered manually. 

How long does it take to change the powder?

Less than 10 minutes. The powder change is easy and uncomplicated. The chamber is cleaned quickly because the system has only a small contact area with the powder in the machine. 

It is best to fill the excess powder into the appropriate cartridge for this material or use a suitable collection container that can be installed in the unpacking station. This prevents cross-contamination. 

If you switch to a completely different type of powder (stainless steel <-> aluminum <-> titanium), the filter and tubing may have to be replaced. This can be done in less than 30 minutes. 

How often does the recoater need to be changed?

This is significantly dependent on the material and structure of the part. 

With large area parts there is less abrasion, for very thin and fine structures the sharp edges can damage the lip earlier. We recommend changing the rubber lip on the coater after observation approx. every 10 print runs or as needed. In any case as soon as traces/grooves are visible in the powder. 

 

How long does it take to change the recoater after the rubber lip wears out?

Changing the recoater usually takes less than 5 minutes. 

To do this, loosen a fastening screw on the recoater, remove it, and then the rubber lip can be taken off and the new one installed again. 

 

How do I remove the printed object?

In the unpacking station, the build platform with the printed object and excess powder is "driven" out of the cartridge. The powder can then be removed from the object using a brush and the excess powder can be brushed in the designated collection container. The powder can also be vacuumed. 

The object with the build platform can now be unscrewed from the cartridge. 

 

How simple is it to change the build platform?

It’s easy. The build platform is screwed into/out of the cartridge holder via a thread. 

How long does it take for a print process?

This depends very much on the model and the parameters as well as the volume filling of the objects. The production speed is about 1-8 cm³/h.

Can the construction process be accelerated?

Yes. 

If the layer height is increased from 20 <span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: 17.28px; ">µ</span>m to 50 <span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: 17.28px; ">µ</span>m, the build time is significantly reduced. However, this also reduces the resolution, and the process parameters usually have to be adjusted as well. 

 

POWDER

Which powder types have already been successfully used with the AL3D?

Iron-based alloys such as 316L, H13, 1.2709, as well as bronze CuSn10, gold, silver, platinum, CoCr dental alloys and titanium. Further materials are mentioned in our material data base. 

The material database is constantly being expanded, please contact us directly for your desired material. 

 

What is the size of the powder granulation? Which grains are necessary?

Typically, the powder grain size is 15. Of course, you may use other powders. However, we cannot guarantee good results for this, since the powders have been tested as specified. You are welcome to test your powders in your own test setup and adjust the parameters accordingly. 

Whats the price of the powder?

The cost of powders varies among manufacturers and the type of qualification and certification. 

Feel free to contact your powder supplier or us. 

What are the requirements for the powder to be used?

Only powder with a particle size between 10 - 50 µm may be used. 

Furthermore, the powder must have suitable flowability. Only use spherical powder particles for this. Such powders are produced by gas atomization. 

The powder must be dry as water can severely reduce fluidity and cause defects in print. Depending on storage and climatic conditions, powder drying can therefore be useful. 

The finer the powder, the less free-flowing it is and makes it more difficult to wet the construction platform. 

If it is too coarse, the wetting is excellent, but the surface of the parts is quite rough. 

A good mediocrity should be the choice here. 

 

Can powder from any manufacturer be used or are there cooperations?

In principle, powders from any manufacturer can be used. However, there are development cooperations where the best parameters for the respective alloy are constantly being further developed. The parameters we develop for a special alloy can lead to different results from powder manufacturer to manufacturer. We therefore always recommend the appropriate powder/manufacturer for the parameters. For other manufacturers, we do not guarantee that the parameters will deliver the same results. 

Can the powder be re-used?

If high density and surface quality are important in the manufactured part, the powder should be sieved after each print if possible. In the best case, use new powder and collect the "old" powder for recycling or mix it with new powder for "refreshing". For this we have appropriate sieving solutions. The old powder should be "refreshed" with new powder in a ratio of 1:3. 

Does the powder age?

Yes, powder can age under certain circumstances. In other words, it starts to react with oxygen, which can affect the quality of the print. During the printing process, there are minimal smoke particles that can settle in the powder bed and additionally contaminate the powder. 

What are reactive materials?

Reactive materials include, for example, titanium and aluminum powder. These require only very low ignition energy and have a rather high affinity for binding oxygen. As a result, they react very quickly with the oxygen in the air and a rapid exothermic reaction occurs: it becomes warm and can glow / burn or possibly explode. 

No self-igniting materials with an ignition temperature below 200° C may be processed in our machine. 

What happens with the contaminated filters?

The filters are disposed of in accordance with the regulations of the local disposal companies. 

When printing noble alloys such as gold, this is either to be sent to the powder supplier after agreement or to a refinery who will reimburse you for the gold value. 

Can ceramic powder be printed with the AL3D?

No, there are special printers that offer this solution through an additional sin.

Get in touch

 
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