Spengler unveils steam dyeing machines for MJF and SLS components | VoxelMatters

French AM post-processing specialist Spengler, a part of the IntegrAM group, has unveiled a brand new answer for coloring Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and selective laser sintering (SLS) components. Spengler’s new vary of SurfPro SD machines use a technique of “steam dyeing” to paint components, utilizing a fraction of the water and colorant required by immersion coloring methods.

On the entire, MJF and SLS components may be simply and successfully coloured on account of their porosity. The tiny gaps in an element’s floor permit dye to be absorbed, leading to a constant and long-lasting end that doesn’t peel or chip like spray paint—a technique extra suited to smooth-surfaced components made utilizing different AM applied sciences. Furthermore, batch coloring of MJF and SLS components is made doable by merely including a number of components to a bigger dye tub.

Nonetheless, one drawback of immersion dying is the surplus quantity of dye and water required. Sufficient colorant should be used to fill all the immersion container, making the method much less environment friendly than portray, the place solely sufficient colorant is required to coat an element’s floor. Spengler’s new post-processing methods goal to fight the inherent wastage of the dyeing course of through a technique of vapor or steam dyeing. Quite than submerge AM components in liquid, the SurfPro SD machines launch high-temperature steam through a vibrating vat to use colour constantly throughout batches of components with out whole immersion.

In accordance with Spengler, the method makes use of 1/10 the quantity of water and 1/20 the quantity of dye as an immersion course of. This leads to much less waste and decrease working prices whereas nonetheless attaining constant coloration throughout half surfaces. Moreover, the machines have a recycling and restoration tank with a three-way management valve and electrical pump to additional reduce wastage.

The Spengler SurfPro SD machines can be found in 25, 50 or 120 liters and are designed for use for high-throughput post-processing of components made on machines just like the HP Jet Fusion 5200 and EOS P3 NEXT. The post-processing methods additionally function a scorching air blower for half drying and HMI contact display for program and recipe administration.

Spengler’s first colorant to be used on the SurfPro SD is Additional-Black, however a whole vary of colours will comply with. Spengler’s different post-processing options embrace depowdering, sieving and microfluidic floor ending methods. The workforce behind Spengler additionally heads Verne Additive Manufacturing Labs, whose STROM SLS 3D printer—designed to course of high-performance supplies like PEKK—debuted at Formnext 2024.