Home Industry Efficient post-processing for metal 3D printing: AutoSmooth project shows first successes

Efficient post-processing for metal 3D printing: AutoSmooth project shows first successes

The AutoSmooth project launched last year, a collaboration between Headmade Materials, AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology and Neue Materialien Bayreuth, is showing promising initial results. The aim of the project is to make the post-processing of ColdMetalFusion (CMF) components more efficient and significantly improve surface quality. A system that optimizes the surface treatment of CMF components for mass production is to be launched on the market by 2025.

The project focuses on developing a fully automated process chain for the unpacking, depowdering and surface treatment of CMF components. Since the start of the collaboration, the partners have been working intensively on improving the processing of so-called “green parts” – unfinished components before sintering. Initial results show that the surfaces of CMF components can be depowdered and smoothed in a single step using an innovative blasting process. This removes step effects and the surface quality is already so high after this process that in many cases no additional post-processing is required after sintering.

AM Solutions relies on a proven 2-in-1 principle that combines powder removal and smoothing in one machine. In addition, the powder is recovered during the process and can be reused, which reduces costs and conserves resources. A specially developed clamping device ensures gentle handling of the sensitive components.

The CMF technology itself enables the cost-effective series production of high-quality metal parts. A key advantage is that conventional, low-cost polymer printers can be used and no complex support structures are required.

“If we now provide the ‘missing link’ in post processing with our new development, CMF technology will take a huge leap forward,” says Dr. Till Merkel, Division Manager Technology at Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH. “For the industry, this paves the way for cost-efficient, automated processes that will fully unlock the potential of additive mass production for metal parts and significantly reduce unit costs.”

The new system is expected to be launched on the market in 2025, and interested experts will be able to gain an initial insight into the progress of development at the Formnext trade fair in November.


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