Nikon equips Nikon AM Technology Center Japan with Solukon depowdering system
Read here why Nikon opted for Solukon depowdering technology.
KONTAKT
MARKETING@SOLUKON.DEEnd of February, Nikon Corporation (Nikon) has opened the research, development and service center for the highest AM requirements in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture. For automated depowdering, Nikon once again relies on Solukon’s market-leading technology and integrates an SFM-AT1000-S into the center.
The Nikon AM Technology Center Japan (NAMTC Japan) with a total area of 922 m² is open to customers and interested parties from Japan and Asia and offers not only the premium printer NXG XII 600 from Nikon SLM Solutions AG but also a selection of leading postprocessing systems and measuring equipment. In the field of automated depowdering, Nikon relies on the market-leading technology from Solukon.
QUICK FATCS
- Depowdering system SFM-AT1000-S in operation at NAMTC Japan
- The system is the perfect postprocessing system for the high-end NXG XII 600 printer from Nikon SLM Solutions.
THE SFM-AT1000-S AS A PERFECT FIT FOR THE NXG XII 600
The SFM-AT1000-S from Solukon is an automated powder removal system for large and heavy components weighing up to 800 kg. The SFM-AT1000-S version with a short swivel arm for a better center of gravity of the component was developed specifically for the NXG XII 600 large format printer from Nikon SLM Solutions (part dimensions max.: 600 x 600 x 600 mm). Therefore, the Solukon depowdering system fits perfectly into the machine setup at the NAMTC Japan in Gyoda. It also integrates seamlessly into the NAMTC Japan’s digital setup: The system is equipped with the Digital-Factory-Tool, a sensor and interface kit. It records all relevant data on the cleaning process and thus ensures maximum transparency. This data can be integrated into the higher-level digital dashboard of the printer landscape via OPC UA.
EFFICIENT AND REPEATABLE DEPOWDERING
Nikon will produce complex components for the highest requirements in the NAMTC Japan. As the complexity of the parts increases (e.g. winded, internal channels), so do the requirements for automated depowdering. The SFM-AT1000-S was designed precisely for such challenges: it enables fully automated, programmable cleaning of complex structures and channels. In addition to the standard rotation and vibration, the SFM-AT1000-S at the NAMTC Japan is equipped with a specially developed high-frequency knocker. This loosens powder clogs in component channels through targeted knocking without damaging the component. The SPR-Pathfinder® software makes it easy to calculate how the 3D-printed part needs to be moved in the Solukon system. It analyzes the CAD file of the component and calculates the ideal movement pattern. This calculation can take place as soon as the CAD file of the component has been created. Users can therefore simulate depowdering during the design process and see whether their geometry can be depowdered.
WHY NIKON HAS OPTED FOR SOLUKON TECHNOLOGY
These intelligent features make the Solukon SFM-AT1000-S the perfect postprocessing system at the NAMTC Japan. “Our aim is to offer our customers and interested parties the highest quality equipment in the NAMTC Japan. Solukon systems stand for the highest quality and reliability, so it is only logical that we chose a Solukon system for automated postprocessing,” says Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Assistant General Manager Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit at Nikon.
