3D Lab, a Polish 3D printing company, will launch a spherical metal powder atomization device and supporting software at formnext 2017.The machine, called “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 surrounding producing metal powders – and the large investments that such processes typically involve.
Metal powders are used to 3D print metal parts using powder bed fusion additive manufacturing techniques, including selective laser melting and electron beam melting.
The ATO One machine was created to meet the growing demand for different sizes of metal powders by SMEs, powder producers and scientific institutions.
According to 3D Lab, there is currently a limited range of commercially available 3D metal powders, and even small quantities have long lead times.The high cost of materials and existing atomization systems is also prohibitive for companies looking to expand into 3D printing, although most will buy powders instead of atomization systems.ATO One seems to be aimed at research institutions, not those who need a lot of powder.
ATO One is designed for compact office spaces.Operating and raw material costs are expected to be lower than the price of outsourced atomization operations.
To improve connectivity within the office, the machine itself integrates WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, Micro SD and Ethernet.This is to enable wireless work process monitoring as well as remote maintenance communication, which will reduce maintenance costs.
The ATO One is capable of machining reactive and non-reactive alloys such as titanium, magnesium or aluminum alloys, producing medium grain sizes from 20 to 100 μm as well as narrow grain size distributions.One job of the machine is expected to produce “up to several hundred grams of material”.
3D Lab hopes that workplace machines like this will increase the adoption of 3D metal printing across industries, expand the range of spherical metal powders that can be used for different applications, and reduce the time it takes 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.The ATO One machine is not currently scheduled to be distributed before the end of 2018.
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Rushabh Haria is a writer in the 3D printing industry.He is from South London and has a degree in Classics.His interests include 3D printing in art, manufacturing design and education.