Post-processing system streamlines workflows

Stratasys is collaborating with AM Solutions, a brand of the Rösler Group, to launch Stratasys PowderEase TI, a 3-in-1 post-processing solution for the Stratasys H350 SAF powder-bed printer. The new post-processing system drives towards important customer milestones, including shorter time to finished parts, more efficient powder use, and the ability to handle the outcome of multiple printers at one time with a single T1 system. Manufacturing of the PowderEase T1 will take place at the German location of AM Solutions.

PowderEase T1 combines multiple post-processing steps into a single, streamlined unit, simplifying workflows, reducing operational costs and improving overall productivity for users. Advantages include: 3-in-1 functionality (automated powder breakout, retrieval and dosing); scalable efficiency (a single system can serve up to six H350 printers); time savings (up to 50 minutes of time savings per build compared with manual processes); powder utilisation (maximises powder retrieval and efficiency); and consistent and ready to use parts with each build.

“Working with AM Solutions, we’re poised to deliver significant advancements that will benefit our customers and simplify work routines on the production floor,” says Birk Ploennigs, director of SAF product management at Stratasys. “This solution will allow customers to use Selective Absorption Fusion technology for the manufacture of parts, taking production efficiency to a new level.”

David Soldan, head of AM Solutions, adds: “The key focus of the partnership between Stratasys and AM Solutions is the delivery of maximum value and to establish additive manufacturing as a primary production technology. Automated post-processing, which ensures cost-effective, high-quality, consistent results, is crucial to this objective.”

More information www.stratasys.com

The best of both manufacturing worlds

A UK 3D-printing specialist is targeting a £3m opportunity after launching a new CNC milling tool that will offer manufacturers the best of both worlds. Rapid Fusion, which employs eight people at its recently opened Exeter R&D centre, has created a high-performance electro-spindle that will provide the precision milling and post-processing of polymer 3D prints.

Eight months in gestation, the breakthrough technology will be fitted to the company’s future Zeus 3D robotic systems, providing clients with the opportunity to enjoy the speed of additive manufacturing with the precision of subtractive machining – all in a single 6 x 6 m cell. The tool is suitable for use on high-quality moulds across a range of industries.

“This CNC milling tool has the potential to be a real game changer for manufacturers and has been designed in partnership with a number of end users to ensure we deliver exactly what they need,” explains Martin Jewell, R&D director at Rapid Fusion. “3D printing can give unrivalled speed and creates moulds near net shape, within 3 to 4 mm. Certain applications need even greater precision and this is where you can call in a CNC milling tool to remove the excess material. Going forward, we’ll be able to offer this as a single turnkey solution.”

He adds: “The advantages are huge. We know we can deliver repeatable quality and, in a trial project, we reduced the lead time for a mould tool from six to eight weeks to just five days.”

The CNC milling tool comes equipped with a tool changer, allowing users to swap between it and the 3D printing pellet extruder on a robot set-up. It can also handle engineering-grade materials, such as glass- and carbon-filled PEI and PEEK polymers.

More information www.rapidfusion.co.uk

Atlas Copco buys PPS

Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd has acquired 100% ownership of Pennine Pneumatic Services Limited (PPS). PPS has been an Atlas Copco premier distributor for many years and will continue to offer the same products and services, alongside an extended product offering as part of Atlas Copco Compressors UK’s business operations. It will continue to operate as a stand-alone company within Atlas Copco Compressors UK, under the Pennine Pneumatic Services brand name, for the foreseeable future. PPS has five branches across the north of England and over 90 team members.

More information www.pps-ltd.co.uk

£220m BAE investment

BAE Systems will invest £220m to upgrade its facilities in Rochester, Kent. The site will undergo significant renovation to create a new state-of-the-art factory of more than 32,000 m². BAE Systems’ 1600-strong workforce in Rochester specialises in advanced aerospace technologies such as head-up displays and helmet-mounted displays for civil and military aircraft worldwide. The new facility will combine manufacturing, engineering and office space. BAE Systems expects the increased capacity provided by a more efficient and sustainable facility will see the creation of 300 jobs over the next five years.

More information www.baesystems.com

New collaboration will advance AM

ArcelorMittal, a global specialist in sustainable steel solutions, and HP, a printing company with expertise in additive manufacturing, are entering a strategic collaboration to advance the field of steel additive manufacturing. ArcelorMittal acknowledges HP’s technical expertise by selecting its Metal Jet S100 technology to develop the additive manufacturing of steel components. HP credits ArcelorMittal with promising results using its steel powders, demonstrating robustness for binder jetting technology. The collaboration will focus on the lowering cost per part and extending the available material options.

More information https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/