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

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

On the entire, MJF and SLS elements will be simply and successfully coloured because 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 way extra suited to smooth-surfaced elements made utilizing different AM applied sciences. Furthermore, batch coloring of MJF and SLS elements is made attainable by merely including a number of elements to a bigger dye bathtub.

Nonetheless, one drawback of immersion dying is the surplus quantity of dye and water required. Sufficient colorant should be used to fill the whole 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 programs goal to fight the inherent wastage of the dyeing course of by way of a means of vapor or steam dyeing. Moderately than submerge AM elements in liquid, the SurfPro SD machines launch high-temperature steam by way of a vibrating vat to use colour persistently throughout batches of elements with out complete 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 ends in 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 decrease 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 elements made on machines just like the HP Jet Fusion 5200 and EOS P3 NEXT. The post-processing programs additionally function a sizzling 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 Further-Black, however a whole vary of colours will observe. Spengler’s different post-processing options embody depowdering, sieving and microfluidic floor ending programs. 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.