Solukon announces depowdering system for large-scale parts

New SFM-AT1500-S accommodates parts weighing more than 2 tons.

Solukon, a provider of depowdering solutions for additive manufacturing (AM), has announced the launch of its largest machine yet: the SFM-AT1500-S. According to the company, its latest depowdering system is intended to meet the growing demand for a depowdering solution in the heavy load segment of the AM industry.

The new system can accommodate parts with dimensions 600 x 600 x 1,500 mm (23.6 x 23.6 x 59.1 in) or 820 x 820 x 1,300 mm (32.3 x 32.3 x 51.2 in) with a maximum weight of 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs.), including build plate. Despite its ability to handle large-size parts, the SFM-AT1500-S is designed to be as compact as possible, with no platforms or stairs needed to load parts. Instead, as with Solukon’s SFM-AT1000S, large parts can be inserted by front-top-loading via crane.

“The combination of compactness and maximum functionality is an absolutely unique feature of our new SFM-AT1500-S”, said Solukon CEO/CTO Andreas Hartmann in a press release.


In order to make the powder flow without transmitting vibrations to the rest of the system, Solukon’s engineers developed a new decoupling concept and drive technology. The machine’s chamber is made from stainless steel and the rotary table has four separately controlled air lines for different configurations of vibrator, knocker and blower connections.

The new system is compatible with SPR-Pathfinder software, which automatically calculates optimal motion sequences based on part CAD files. The integrated Digital-Factory-Tool aims to make the depowdering procedure fully transparent to users during the entire cleaning process.

“Digital features are also essential in the large-scale part segment,” Hartmann added. “Smart software is the only way to depowder complex structures without human programming effort. Plus, continuous tracking is the only way to achieve real transparency.”

The company reports that it has already sold two of the systems, with customer details still to come. Solukon will officially launch the SFM-AT1500-S at this year’s Formnext.

Written by

Ian Wright

Ian is a senior editor at engineering.com, covering additive manufacturing and 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Ian holds bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from McMaster University and spent six years pursuing a doctoral degree at York University before withdrawing in good standing.