THE EXONE CO. is introducing a “desanding station” for use with its S-Max® and S-Max Pro™ sand 3D printers for foundry molds and cores. The device uses two vacuum-powered wings that flank the job box and help remove excess sand from the mold or core as the build platform rises and parts are removed from the job box.
According to the developer, its semi-automatic system is compatible with printers processing furan- and CHP-bonded fine or coarse-grain silica sands, or ceramic foundry sand (e.g., Cerabeads®, a product of ITOCHU Ceratech Corp. and the subject a new agreement by which ExOne agreed to optimize its sand printing systems.)
ExOne detailed that the sand-removing accessory will improve its machines’ throughput times by up to 50%, and reduce costs associated with removing sand molds, cores, and other parts from the job box.
It also will improve the plant atmosphere and simplify the task of capturing sand for reuse.
“Following on the heels of the ExOne Scout app, our new desanding station is another step forward as we work to deliver smart, complete and sustainable 3D printing solutions for our customers,” stated CEO John Hartner.
The desanding station is being used effectively by a Swiss iron foundry, Eisengiesserei Mezger AG. Mezger is using the new accessory with a number of other features that simplify production, including a Fluidmatic material supply system, and the Jobmatic automatic jobbox replacement function.
“It was very important to us that ExOne supplied us with an almost completely automated printing system. Switzerland is a country with high salaries, so it is worthwhile to invest in automation technology,” according to the foundry’s CEO Silvio Camponovo. Learn more at www.exone.com