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Articles

in Vol. 22 - March Issue - Year 2021
The Ideal Environment For Process And Product Development For Post Processing Of 3D Printed Components
With its comprehensive equipment range covering all aspects of the AM manufacturing process, the new technology and testing center is the ideal environment for the specification, development and optimization of post-processing solutions

With its comprehensive equipment range covering all aspects of the AM manufacturing process, the new technology and testing center is the ideal environment for the specification, development and optimization of post-processing solutions

In the Spotlight

For over 80 years, the privately owned Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH has been actively engaged in the field of surface preparation and surface finishing. As global market leader, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, consumables and services around mass finishing and shot blasting technologies for a wide spectrum of different industries. Our range of about 15,000 consumables, developed in testing centers located all over the world, specifically serves our customers for resolving their individual finishing needs. Under the brand name AM Solutions, we offer numerous equipment solutions and services in the area of additive manufacturing/3D printing. Last-but-not-least, our central training center the Rösler Academy offers practical, hands-on seminars for the topics of mass finishing and shot blasting, lean management and additive manufacturing. Besides the German manufacturing locations in Untermerzbach/Memmelsdorf and Bad Staffelstein/Hausen, the Rösler group has a global network of 15 manufacturing/sales branches and 150 sales agents.

The new technology and testing center of AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology represents a significant milestone in the development of processes and products for the post-processing of products created with AM methods. The new center is outfitted with state-of-the-art engineering software and various 3D printing systems. However, the main focus is on an exceptionally well-equipped post-processing section, where AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology can demonstrate an impressive range of machinery for post-processing of 3D printed components.

Additive manufacturing allows the quick and flexible production of metallic or plastic components with precisely defined material characteristics. All these components have one thing in common: Their surface requires different kinds of finishes, which must comply with the most stringent finishing specifications. These requirements pose a special challenge for the post-processing of 3D printed components. AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is meeting this challenge head-on with its new, generously equipped technology and testing center at the company’s location in Untermerzbach, Germany.

State-of-the-art technologies along the complete AM process chain 

In its new testing center with a total area of 400 square meters, the Rösler division specializing in 3D post-processing solutions can demonstrate the complete process chain of additive manufacturing. Manuel Laux, Head of AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology, explains: “It is our declared goal to develop the best possible process solutions for our customers. To do this, we must be able to fully understand every detail of the additive manufacturing process and must actually be in a position to demonstrate the various manufacturing stages. Only with such a hands-on approach will we be able to take into account all the facets of additive manufacturing.” The new testing center is not only equipped with the latest engineering, printing and post-processing hardware and software, but the actual building was also carefully prepared; for example, suitable air intake and venting systems were installed to maintain exact temperature and humidity levels in the pressure area. 
For engineering and topology optimization, the center utilizes NX CAD software from Siemens. The 3D scanner Atos from GOM allows quick and precise optimization of engineering operations while also being utilized for quality control. The printing sections are strictly separated by material categories, and the actual printing equipment is placed in vibration absorbing areas. Metallic materials are printed with an EOS M 290 system, whereas for the creation of plastic components, a Polyjet printer Objet 260 Connex 3 from Stratasys, a Multi Jet Fusion printer HP Jet Fusion 3D 5200 and a FDM printer are available. 
To allow test trials for the development of optimum, automated post-processing solutions and to select the most suitable equipment, AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology installed its own post-processing equipment line in the form of the models S1, S2 and S3 as well as M1, M2 and M3. Moreover, the center is equipped with various post-processing systems from the AM Solutions partners GPAINNOVA and PostProcess Technologies. These include a GPAINNOVA DLyte 100 and the first installation in the world of a DLyte 10.000. In addition, the DEMI, DECI, DECI Duo and Rador from PostProcess Technologies are available for test trials. 
With such a comprehensive equipment portfolio, the new technology center is an ideal partner for the efficient specification and development as well as optimization of customer-specific processes and products for post-processing of 3D-printed components. This includes unpacking, removal of support structures, stripping of loose as well as sintered-on powder from the work pieces, as well as general cleaning, surface smoothing, edge radiusing and even polishing. 
The fact that many customer enquiries have been received and numerous test trials already conducted proves that, with its new technology and testing center, AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is fulfilling an urgent market requirement. To ensure that visitors and employees are suitably protected during this Corona pandemic, all test trials and visits take place under strict compliance with all hygienic and safety regulations.  

For Information: 
Rösler Oberf lächentechnik GmbH
Vorstadt 1, 96190 Untermerzbach, Germany
Tel. +49.9533.924-0 
Fax +49.9533.924-300
E-mail: info@solutions-for-am.com
www.solutions-for-am.com