Problem Solving
Automatic powder supply system for feeding polymer 3D printers in a closed-loop system
Automatic feeding of 3D printers for the additive manufacturing of plastic parts requires a high level of experience in handling critical raw materials. The requirements are diverse:
- Uninterrupted supply of plastic powders or granules to one or more 3D printers
- Storage, handling, packaging, transportation, and processing of a wide variety of powders and granules
- Seven parts of newly introduced plastic powder and plastic powder currently in circulation
- Cost-effectiveness and the conservation of resources through the reuse of overflow and unpacking powder
- Explosion Protection for Explosive Plastic Powders
- The Right System for Feeding EOS Printers with a Fully Automated Setup
AZO is the expert in automated raw material handling. Thanks to decades of experience in compounding, PVC dryblending, additive manufacturing, and pellet processing, AZO can now also offer complete plants and systems for feeding plastic powders and pellets into 3D printers. AZO’s solutions can be customized to meet specific requirements:
Dosing, Weighing, Mixing, Screening, and Conveying—Many Functions, All from a Single Source
Storing and Checking In Products
The modular AZO Big-Bag Discharge Station is ideal for the safe and low-dust discharge of big bags into a closed system.
- Easily lift the big bag from the transport pallet into the big bag unloading station.
- Low-dust docking thanks to the Big-Bag connection system.
- Optionally available with vibration assistance and/or a tumbling mechanism for bulk materials that do not flow well.
- Suitable for various big bag sizes and types
- Easy to use thanks to its ergonomic design.
- Standard and customizable through a modular design, making it cost-effective.
Various models of AZO filling hoppers are available for the safe and low-dust unloading of bagged materials into a closed system.
- Low-dust bag handling thanks to an integrated vacuum system with a filter
- An integrated screen traps packaging residue and other contaminants
- Discharge support for poorly flowing bulk materials
Dosing and Mixing
AZO®MIXOMAT – Conveying, dosing, weighing, and mixing in a single, compact, cost-effective system.
- High repeatability thanks to precise weighing and recording of all components
- Homogenizing the various product streams—virgin material, overflow powder, and unpacked powder
- Simple Feeding of Multiple Components via a Valve Manifold
- Easy access and easy cleaning
Conveying and Feeding
A proven AZO vacuum conveying system ensures reliable feeding of the 3D printers as well as the return transport of excess and unpacked powder for recycling.
- Cost-effective and safe pneumatic conveying
- Gentle, non-segregating feeding
- Dust-free, closed system
- Space- and height-saving construction method
