Fast Powder Change Switch
Fast Powder Change Switch
In Laser Metal Deposition, the powdered additive material is transported to the processing nozzle through a powder conveyor. It takes several seconds before the powder flows steadily from the processing nozzle. This delay is due to the startup time of the conveyor and the length of the hose from the conveyor to the powder nozzle. Typically, the powder is not turned off between processing steps.
The consequences are:
- Increased powder consumption
- Associated higher costs
- Contaminated equipment
- Elevated emissions
- Potentially a non-functional process
A solution is provided by a fast powder change switch that can be easily integrated into an existing system between the powder nozzle and the powder conveyor. The powder is collected in a container until a constant powder mass flow is achieved after switching on. The powder remains uncontaminated and can be reused. There is no powder dribbling after turning off. With short switching times (< 200ms) between cycles, the powder is immediately available. Even during short idle times (e.g., travel to the next component), the powder is switched off, collected for reuse. This approach increases powder efficiency while minimizing equipment contamination by powder.
Application possibilities:
- Powder pulse operation
- Non-stop processing
- Multi-functional coatings
- Switching between 2 powder nozzles
- Combined processing
Harald Dickler
F. W.-Raiffeisen-Straße 31A
52531 Übach-Palenberg
Email: info@harald-dickler.de
Video
Downloads
