3D Lab, a Polish 3D printing company, will exhibit a spherical metal powder atomization device and supporting software at formnext 2017. The machine named “ATO One” is capable of producing spherical metal powders. Notably, this machine is described as “office-friendly”.
Although in the early stages it will be interesting to see how this project develops. Especially given the challenges associated with the production of metal powders and the large investments that are usually associated with such processes.
Metal powders are used to 3D print metal parts using powder bed additive manufacturing technologies, including selective laser melting and electron beam melting.
The ATO One was created to meet the growing demand for metal powders of various sizes from small and medium-sized enterprises, powder manufacturers and scientific institutions.
According to 3D Lab, there is currently a limited range of commercially available metal powders for 3D printing, and even small quantities require long production times. The high cost of materials and existing spray systems is also prohibitive for companies looking to expand into 3D printing, although most will buy powders instead of spray systems. ATO One seems to be aimed at research institutes, not those who need a lot of gunpowder.
ATO One is designed for compact office spaces. Operating and raw material costs are expected to be lower than the cost of outsourced spraying work.
To improve communication within the office, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, Micro SD and Ethernet are integrated into the machine itself. This allows for wireless monitoring of the workflow as well as remote communication for maintenance, which reduces maintenance costs.
The ATO One is capable of processing reactive and non-reactive alloys such as titanium, magnesium or aluminum alloys to medium grain sizes from 20 to 100 microns, as well as narrow grain size distributions. It is expected that in one operation of the machine “up to several hundred grams of material” will be produced.
3D Lab hopes that such machines in the workplace will facilitate the adoption of metal 3D printing in various industries, expand the range of spherical metal powders that can be used for various purposes, and reduce the time required to bring new alloys to market.
3D Lab and Metal Additive Manufacturing 3D Lab, based in Warsaw, Poland, is a reseller of 3D Systems printers and Orlas Creator machines. It also conducts research and development of metal powders. There are currently no plans to distribute the ATO One machine until the end of 2018.
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Rushab Haria is a writer working in the 3D printing industry. He is from South London and has a degree in classics. His interests include 3D printing in art, industrial design and education.