Menu My Downloads (0) Additive manufacturing | Automatic raw material handling for 3D printing Feeding, storage, screening, recovery, and conditioning - AZO solutions improve product quality and resource efficiency for metal- and plastic-based additive manufacturing 3D printing technology has made it possible to quickly produce intricate, customised components for demanding applications in industry, medicine, aerospace and other fields. But to profitably print high-performance, long-lasting components, it takes more than just an excellent 3D printer. In the additive manufacturing process with metal or plastic powders, as well as plastic granulate, bulk material handling plays a crucial role in ensuring operational safety, product quality and resource efficiency. AZO is one of the leading specialists in automated raw material logistics for 3D printing applications and offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the storage, conveying, feeding, conditioning and recovery of plastic and metal materials used in an additive manufacturing process. Metal powder Plastic powder and granulate Additive manufacturing requires expert powder handling High-quality 3D printing powders are not only expensive, but can also be reactive and potentially hazardous, especially in metal printing. To produce high-performance components, the plastic and metal powders used in additive manufacturing must be carefully handled to maintain their exacting physical and chemical properties. To ensure safe and efficient additive manufacturing processes, AZO machines and systems are specially designed to meet the following requirements: Careful conditioning and conveying - Clumps, moisture, irregular particle sizes and poor flowability of powders can cause significant quality issues in 3D printed parts. Automated conveying systems must be able to convey, screen and mix powders quickly and gently without generating excessive heat or other mechanical stresses. Precise feeding - The feeding units must ensure an even and continuous flow of material into the 3D printer without segregation. Safety assurances - ATEX compliant design is required for handling explosive plastic or metal powders. An airtight, dust-free system is required to protect operators from toxic dust emissions that can be easily inhaled. Reliable storage - To prevent degradation, materials must be protected from oxidation and humidity during storage. Dust-free storage and unloading mechanisms improve resource efficiency. Effective overflow recovery - To reduce waste and costs, unmelted powder left over after printing can be recovered and conditioned for reuse. Contact persons Tom Friedenberger International Key Account Manager +49 6291 92 157 +49 6291 929 832 tom.friedenberger@azo.com Thomas Stegmeier Head of Sales AZO®Poly +49 6291 92 248 +49 6291 929 835 thomas.stegmeier@azo.com Karl-Heinz Bußbach Global Business Director AZO®Chem +49 6291 92 360 +49 6291 929 573 karl-heinz.bussbach@azo.com Any Questions? Contact Us Mail an AZO Follow us on AZO GmbH + Co. KG Rosenberger Str. 28 74706 Osterburken Tel. +49 6291 92 0 Mail: azo-group@azo.com T&C Data privacy statement Legal Notes Sitemap Change Cookie Settings Contact © 2021 AZO GmbH + Co. KG