Use of the suction bench for fine powders post 3D printing

3D printing: an established reality

The additive manufacturing has been revolutionizing the prototyping industry for years now, so the use of 3D printing has spread enormously in those production companies that previously created a mold for prototypes and models.

3D printers build the object one level above the other according to powder bed fusion technology, using dust of various nature. In practice a first layer of metal or plastic dust is deposited, then the dust is heated and melted to give body to the solid material that in fact will form the object. Once the first layer is finished, the printer will lower the worktop to deposit new dust levels in the same amount as the previous ones. The same procedure will be repeated until the complete realization of the artifact.

The problem of fine dust after 3D production

The techniques used by the machinery to heat and melt the dust, are many and different from each other (thermal fusion, laser, with agents and energy or electron beam among others), what unites them all is the release of harmful dust even on the object made.

These residues must be blown from each product, to prevent:

• Hazards to the health of the person handling the object: the powders are very fine and can be easily inhaled, in addition metal powders can cause damage to the skin;
• Risk of explosions in case the processing takes place with conductive dust;
• Accumulation of dust on the product resulting in loss of quality;

The suction bench with integrated filtration, thanks to the technology established for years in the industrial field, it turned out to be an ideal solution for safely blowing the pieces once the printing was finished. The working surface of the suction bench, in fact, allows the operator to work effectively, which , in addition to being protected from the fine dust released by the pieces, can easily support parts to blow and equipment, on a totally suction surface held in vacuum by the air flow directed from the environment towards the inside of the bench.

In the video below it is possible to appreciate the suction efficiency of the SBP20 suction bench, during a 3D printing powder test.

In this way, the fine dust is removed from the workpiece by blowing compressed air in a safe way, avoiding that it will disperse into the working environment and pollute it inexorably.

The heavier powders, processing chips or other details, thanks to the design of the internal flows, are deposited in a drawer, while the lighter ones are blocked by the filtration system which, depending on the versions, can have a certified filter efficiency of HEPA H13 99.99% level.

The collection drawer can be easily removed by hand and emptied or sucked with an industrial extractor.

The Secureair® suction benches, adapt to different production needs and each suction bench is customizable with different accessories to make it integrated with the production environment. Here are some of them:

• Upper box to also confine the upper side of the suction bench
• Foldable side bulkheads on hinges
• Silencer for exhaust air filtered from suction bench to the environment
• Led worktop lighting
• Scratch resistant worktop strips
• Reinforced suction bench worktop for special pieces support
• Front suction wall with anti rebound system

Discover the ideal solution for you with the support of our Technical Department.

Sources:

https://tecnologia.libero.it/cosa-sono-e-come-funzionano-le-stampanti-3d-12582

https://www.puntosicuro.it/sicurezza-sul-lavoro-C-1/tipologie-di-contenuto-C-6/valutazione-dei-rischi-C-59/stampa-3d-le-implicazioni-per-la-salute-sicurezza-sul-luogo-di-lavoro-AR-18172/

Safety in metal additive technologies