Donaldson BOFA expands AM 400 filtration system for metal additive manufacturing

Donaldson BOFA has extended its AM 400 filtration system for metal additive manufacturing to the US market and now also offers a 230-volt version. The system, which was launched in Europe earlier this year, complements the existing 110-volt version. It was specially developed to make the replacement of filters in inert gas-protected 3D printing processes safer and more productive.

The AM 400 technology uses a patented design that enables filter changes without allowing oxygen to enter the protected print chamber. This is particularly important when processing metals such as aluminum and titanium, where pyrophoric reactions can occur.

Katrina Clemens, General Manager, Americas at Donaldson BOFA, commented: “Not only does the AM 400 design make it safer for operatives to exchange filters in additive manufacturing, but it can also result in significant productivity gains by reducing production downtime. This is particularly important for companies involved in additive manufacturing high-value metal components and products.”

At the heart of the system is a hermetically sealed housing that allows the filter to be changed independently of the rest of the printer. Automatic air flow control ensures that the optimum air flow rates can be preset for different applications. This not only minimizes noise, but also protects the sensitive HEPA filters from unnecessary wear. An integrated warning system indicates when a filter change is necessary, thus avoiding unplanned interruptions.

The new 230-volt model offers an airflow/pressure range of 88 to 188 cfm and is equipped with an intelligent operating system that provides real-time data on the performance of the extraction system, including the status of individual filters. With this upgrade, Donaldson BOFA ensures that metal-based additive manufacturing becomes safer and more efficient, giving companies the ability to produce high-quality components with minimal downtime.