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About us
At last, another FORMNEXT in Frankfurt! We present our latest ideas & equipment for handling metal powders in the pre & post processing of 3D printing.
Our key topics:
- conveying: transport metal powder by vacuum conveying
- screening: to reprocess used metal powder by sieving
- reclaiming: to extract the unused metal powder after printing
- depowdering: fully automatic depowdering of the build job
- drying: optimize the quality of the metal powder by vacuum drying
- refilling: fully automatic filling of the 3D printer with metal powder
recovery - the extraction of the metal powder from the build box after printing, along with the subsequent screening of the oversize agglomerate material’ to recover unconsumed metal powder. The Volkmann PowTReX system has established itself as proven for this task, with numerous systems in daily production use. With the PowTReX basic, this system has been refined and simplified to the essential functions for the entry level and low volume users.
depowdering - the emptying and depowdering of the unused metal powder from the build job and the build frame after printing! The automation of powder handling in 3D printing is an essential step towards significantly reducing costs in series production. The DPS Metal 1 automatic depowdering station takes care of this.
drying – For many metal powders, reduced flowability is mainly due to surface moisture. Some metal powders—such as aluminum—also benefit from drying due to significantly reduced hydrogen porosity in the printed components. Vacuum can be used to dry metal powder very effectively—and this function can also be integrated very compactly into a vacuum conveyor. At formnext, we will be demonstrating this in practice on a test device.
Inert powder handling under protective gas is our focus topic at Formnext 2025. In the closed powder cycle, all work steps are carried out under inert protective gas: reclaiming, depowdering, conveying, screening, and refilling.
Powder handling and material conveying of metal powders in additive manufacturing - we supply you with the optimum solution. And if our standard products are not sufficient, we modify them accordingly or develop completely new solutions for you.
Our products for Metal AM at a glance:
- PowTReX and PowTReX basic: mobile systems for safely loading of 3D printers and containers with metal powders, extracting the metal powder from the build box after the print job, transferring metal powders between containers, and recycling the metal powder by screening and separating oversized particles.
- vLoader 250 supplies a 3D printer with metal powder automatically. The metal powder and the environment are optimally protected from each other while the continuous supply of the 3D printer is ensured in the best possible way. With the optional vDryer module, the metal powder can also be dried. The improved flowability of the dry metal powder has a positive effect on the quality of the printed components.
- vHub 250 is used in additive manufacturing in pre- and post-processing for buffering or intermediate storage of metal powder. With a volume of 250 liters (~8.8 ft³), the integrated powder hopper provides plenty of storage capacity: for holding powder from an upstream process, and for reliably supplying powder to a downstream process.
- The vPort powder handling solution offers HP S100 Metal Jet Build Unit-specific capabilities, including part depowdering, fine part cleaning, Build Unit cleaning and refilling, powder collection, recycling, sieving, and full adjustability.
- The VIAS docking valve enables clean and dust-free docking, undocking and emptying of the IBC with only minimal powder exposure. When undocked, the IBC and the conveying line are hermetically sealed by the two VIAS couplings. The outside of the VIAS closures are not touched or contaminated by the material. The heaxpod mounting compensates for inaccuracies in the positioning of the IBC, making it very easy for the operator to dock the container.
- DPS Metal 1: Unpack the build job from the build frame and completely de-powder both. The DPS Metal 1 makes this possible automatically, and in a single work operation, without the requirement for an operator to perform any intermediate manual steps. The cleaning result is so good that downstream cleaning activities are usually unnecessary. During the cleaning cycle the metal powder is collected in a container for subsequent reprocessing.
With the EOS Edition of Volkmann products, you get a powder handling system that is perfectly matched to the EOS M 290, EOS M 300 and EOS M 400 series 3D printers. In close cooperation with EOS, VOLKMANN’s proven systems and solutions have been adapted and optimized for the EOS 3D printers.
In addition to our standardized equipment, we also offer customized solutions for your individual tasks. Special requirements due to the metal powder, special interfaces to other machines, spatial conditions or other boundary conditions - we develop the optimal solution for you. All in accordance with our motto: IDEAS AHEAD! New challenges, ideas and solutions are our world.
Our test center in Soest/Germany offers a wide range of possibilities for trials with original material on our equipment. Numerous plant configurations allow a simulation of powder handling and material conveying close to production. The pilot plant is equally suitable for the development of new technologies and processes, the determination of an optimal plant configuration and the measurement of process parameters.
As a specialist in additive manufacturing with metal powders, you will also benefit from our many years of experience in other industries:
- We have mastered dust explosive materials (ATEX) for decades with applications for the chemical industry, foodstuffs and the pharmaceutical industry. In close cooperation with research institutes and test centers, VOLKMANN has built up comprehensive knowledge and incorporated it into its products.
- The optimal cleaning of devices and components is incorporated in the design of our products. You will benefit from our experience with the high requirements of the pharmaceutical industry in a hygienic equipment design without dead spaces and with easy-to-clean surfaces.
- System operators must be protected from critical powders, and contamination of powders by a foreign material is equally not permitted. VOLKMANN equipment has had to meet these requirements for decades for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, among others, and this experience also flows into the solutions for additive manufacturing.
VOLKMANN's equipment and processes have proven themselves in numerous installations for a wide variety of additive manufacturing tasks. Leading metal powder producers and manufacturers of 3D printers rely on our technologies. Many 3D printing users in the automotive and aerospace industries, among others, rely on the quality and reliability of these devices. And in close cooperation with leading research institutes and industry, we develop and optimize the material handling of the future. Use this experience for your tasks as well!
VOLKMANN is one of the technologically leading manufacturers of systems for powder handling and material conveying with numerous installations in the following industries, among others:
- Additive manufacturing with metal powders
- Food industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Chemical industry
Our equipment and systems can also be found in a wide variety of tasks in other industries and applications.
Our customers include small businesses, medium-sized companies, and large international corporations. Whether with inexpensive standard solutions or with complex special concepts - we offer the right solutions for the most diverse requirements. No matter which design is delivered - our high-quality standard is always included. That is why many renowned corporations from the automotive industry, aerospace and other high-tech sectors also use our products.
Made by VOLKMANN = quality from a single source. Our products are developed, designed, manufactured, and assembled by us. And, on request, installed and commissioned by our technicians at your facility. Because the quality of our products is so important to us, we do not outsource the manufacturing process. With our modern production machinery, we manufacture almost all components ourselves. And this quality is well received by our customers. And if a spare part is needed: Thanks to our high in-house production depth, we can deliver replacements quickly.
VOLKMANN GmbH was founded in 1973 in Soest in Westphalia / Germany. The company is family-owned and has been managed by the second generation since 1992 by Mr. Thilo Volkmann as Managing Director. Since 1979, the company has been active in the field of vacuum technology, and many technical innovations and patents, new solutions and applications have emerged from this core technology over the years. Today, the company employs a total of approx. 200 people; in the headquarters in Soest and the subsidiaries in the USA, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Keywords
- powder handling
- powder conveying
- powder recovery
- powder reclaiming
- powder sieving
Our Products
powder transfer, recovery and extraction system: PowTReX
powder transfer, recovery and extraction system
The PowTReX series enables the efficient reprocessing of build excess metal powder for applications in Metal AM. The integrated vacuum conveyor handles the feeding of the powder - e.g. directly from the build frame of the 3D printer. The recovered powder can be filled into bottles or containers or conveyed by pipe to downstream machines.
Handling the metal powder in a closed system provides a high level of protection for personnel. The PowTReX systems are ATEX certified and therefore also suitable for metal powders with dust-explosive risks.
The PowTReX family includes two series or performance classes: the PowTReX and the PowTReX basic. In addition, we can also offer customized solutions for special requirements.
PowTReX enables powder reprocessing at a high throughput, and is therefore also suitable for 3D printers with large build volumes, as well as for multi-machine arrangements.
PowTReX basic offers the essential functions for the reprocessing of metal powders. The performance is designed for small to medium 3D printers. The prepared powder can be filled, for example, into an EOS bottle, SLM bottle or similar containers from other manufacturers.
PowTReX in a customized design: In the event that your requirements are not covered by any of our standard PowTReX systems, we can also build customized special designs to suit individual requirements.
How the PowTReX systems function: The metal powder is conveyed into the PowTReX through a hose or pipe by vacuum conveying. There are numerous possible setups:
- draw the powder out of the build frame of an opened 3D printer by a suction lance
- aspirate the powder by suction lance inside a closed glove box or a depowdering station
- pull in the powder from a container or bottle by suction lance
- draw the powder from an IBC container
- draw the powder from a buffer container (e.g. vHub 250)
The length of the conveying pipe can be up to 25 meters and can also accommodate height differences. The high conveying capacity allows on the one hand the buffer hopper in the PowTReX to be filled quickly and at the same time the discharge point is quickly available again for subsequent tasks.
Within the PowTReX, oversized particles, composites and foreign bodies are separated by a sieve. Stimulated by an ultrasonic generator, high throughputs are achieved. In addition, sensors continuously measure the loading of the sieve with powder. The material supply from the buffer hopper is controlled accordingly ensuring the sieve screen is always optimally loaded with powder. The particles and other foreign bodies separated during sieving are collected in a bin.
A variant of the PowTReX system can also handle the metal powder under an inert protective gas.
More details about the PowTReX system in this video: https://youtu.be/EBDjRBRaFU4
Closed Metal Powder Loop
Holistic material flow and automation
We cover the entire material flow of metal powder in pre- and post-printing with integrated and fully automated solutions. From the unpacking and depowdering of the build job, to the buffering and preparation of the used powder, to the filling of the printers with fresh or used powder. Various material flow concepts can be implemented. Flexibility also exists with regard to room layout, distances, and transport routes, even accommodating several floors.
Vacuum conveying of the metal powder between the individual machines enables a high degree of automation. For example, the 3D printer can be automatically supplied with metal powder from an IBC container. A reliable material supply, even during unmanned shifts or within 24/7 production, is thus achievable.
Protection of the metal powder and protection of the staff
The quality of the 3D printed component is only as good as the quality of the metal powder used. Handling and conveying in closed systems protects the powder from harmful environmental influences. Fewer manual operations equal fewer operator errors and product mix-ups. Additional vacuum drying operations even improve the flow properties and thus the quality of the printed component.
Handling the metal powder in closed systems also protects personnel from harmful dust. The use of expensive personal protective equipment can therefore be reduced or even completely eliminated.
DPS Metal 1
automatic unpacking and depowdering of the build job
Unpack the build job from the build frame and completely de-powder both. The DPS Metal 1 makes this possible automatically, and in a single work operation, without the requirement for an operator to perform any intermediate manual steps. The cleaning result is so good that downstream cleaning activities are usually unnecessary. During the cleaning cycle the metal powder is collected in a container for subsequent reprocessing.
The closed system protects personnel from the metal powder dust while equally protecting the metal powder from external environment contamination.
Functionality of the DPS Metal 1:
The build frame is fed directly from the 3D printer into the station with the build job together with the excess metal powder contained within it. Loading can be carried out manually (e.g. by lift truck) or using an automatic transport system.
The entire cleaning process takes place within a closed chamber either under atmospheric conditions or under inert gas. After inverting the build frame with the printed parts, cleaning nozzles use air jets (compressed air or inert gas) to remove excess powder from the components. This not only loosens the excess metal powder from the deepest crevices of the built component, but also removes the powder adhering to the build frame.
The cleaning process is further enhanced by the use of a vibrator unit. The frequency-modulating vibrations introduced into the component break up any bridges formed in the metal powder.
Optionally, in the DPS Metal 1 at the end of the cleaning process, the build job can either be removed from the build frame or left within it. Accordingly, they are subsequently unloaded from the station combined or separately. In the latter the build frame can be loaded with a new build plate in the system.
The loose metal powder is completely collected and buffered by vacuum conveying in a container integrated in the station. From there it can be conveyed, again by vacuum conveying, to a powder preparation station - e.g. a PowTReX. For a buffer volume of 250 L up to 1,000 L, the powder can be conveyed to an vHub system.
The exhaust air from the vacuum conveying system is safely discharged into the environment through a primary and secondary filter system (material with H14 classification) as standard.
Depending on the construction job geometry, a cleaning cycle usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The exact sequence of a cleaning cycle can be managed as a customer-specific recipe.
The DPS Metal 1 can be adapted to the different designs of the established manufacturers of 3D printers. A DPS Metal 1 is designed in each case to fit the specific dimensions and geometries of the build frame of a 3D printer manufacturer.
The DPS was developed by Volkmann as a project partner in the IDAM research project and successfully tested with two prototypes in demonstrator lines at BMW and GKN Additive.