Automated Metal Sieving Process for Additive Manufacturing

This case study details the implementation of an automated metal sieving process at the Matsuura Machinery USA Lumex Additive Manufacturing Center. The objective was to enhance the work environment by automating metal powder recovery, which is crucial for the efficient reuse of materials in hybrid manufacturing. The hybrid technology combines selective laser metal sintering with precision high-speed machining, allowing for the production of complex parts without the need for post-machining. The study outlines the challenges faced in manually sieving metal powders and the decision-making process in selecting a supplier for the automated sieving system. The chosen supplier, Vac-U-Max, provided a solution that integrates vacuum conveying to streamline the sieving process, significantly reducing processing time from hours to minutes. The case study emphasizes the importance of engineering tailored solutions for specific applications in the additive manufacturing industry, highlighting the innovative features of the automated system and its impact on operational efficiency.