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in Vol. 22 - November Issue - Year 2021
Process-Reliable And More Efficient Surface Finish For 3D Plastic Parts
The new media mix from AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology allows the cost-efficient finishing of a wide variety of 3D-printed plastic components (MJF/SLS) in one single processing step. Irrespective of the size and shape of the work pieces, the process is absolutely stable and produces consistently repeatable finishing results. Time-consuming and costly media changes because of multi-stage processes are no longer necessary. This also helps to eliminate the stocking requirements for different media types. The grinding performance depends on the geometrical complexity of the work pieces. For certain applications, the surface roughness can be reduced from Ra = 15 μm to Ra = 3 μm within 240 minutes

The new media mix from AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology allows the cost-efficient finishing of a wide variety of 3D-printed plastic components (MJF/SLS) in one single processing step. Irrespective of the size and shape of the work pieces, the process is absolutely stable and produces consistently repeatable finishing results. Time-consuming and costly media changes because of multi-stage processes are no longer necessary. This also helps to eliminate the stocking requirements for different media types. The grinding performance depends on the geometrical complexity of the work pieces. For certain applications, the surface roughness can be reduced from Ra = 15 μm to Ra = 3 μm within 240 minutes

"The composition of the new media mix was developed through numerous processing trials. The result is a product that allows the surface finishing of a broad spectrum of components with different shapes and sizes. Irrespective of whether small, delicate work pieces or large components must be treated, the result is always a highly homogeneous, consistent and repeatable finish", explains Christoph Bätz, Project Engineer at AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology

"The composition of the new media mix was developed through numerous processing trials. The result is a product that allows the surface finishing of a broad spectrum of components with different shapes and sizes. Irrespective of whether small, delicate work pieces or large components must be treated, the result is always a highly homogeneous, consistent and repeatable finish", explains Christoph Bätz, Project Engineer at AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology

The surface finishing of particularly delicate work pieces with complex geometries poses especially demanding post processing challenges and frequently causes problems (photo on the left). In combination with optimized printing methods, the new media mix generates highly homogeneous results for these difficult finishing tasks. At the same time, it minimizes scrap and saves costs (photo on the right).

The surface finishing of particularly delicate work pieces with complex geometries poses especially demanding post processing challenges and frequently causes problems (photo on the left). In combination with optimized printing methods, the new media mix generates highly homogeneous results for these difficult finishing tasks. At the same time, it minimizes scrap and saves costs (photo on the right).

"Decades of valuable experience allow us to continuously develop new solutions that offer a significant added value for our customers and provide solutions to the challenges they have to face. The perfectly adapted interaction between machine, consumables and process know-how makes the innovative, unique solutions of Rösler and its brand AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology highly successful", concludes Rainer Schindhelm, Division Manager for the Production of Consumables at Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH

"Decades of valuable experience allow us to continuously develop new solutions that offer a significant added value for our customers and provide solutions to the challenges they have to face. The perfectly adapted interaction between machine, consumables and process know-how makes the innovative, unique solutions of Rösler and its brand AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology highly successful", concludes Rainer Schindhelm, Division Manager for the Production of Consumables at Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH

In the Spotlight

For over 80 years, the privately-owned Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH has been actively engaged in the field of surface preparation and surface finishing. As global market leader we offer a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, consumables and services around the mass-finishing and shot-blasting technologies for a wide spectrum of different industries. Our range of about 15,000 consumables, developed in our Customer Experience Center and laboratories located all over the world, specifically serves our customers for resolving their individual finishing needs. Under the brand name AM Solutions, we offer numerous equipment solutions and services in the area of additive manufacturing/3D printing. Last-but-not-least, as our central training center, the Rösler Academy offers practical, hands-on seminars to the subjects of mass finishing and shot blasting, lean management and additive manufacturing. Besides the German manufacturing locations in Untermerzbach/Memmelsdorf and Bad Staffelstein/Hausen, the Rösler group has a global network of 15 manufacturing/sales branches and 150 sales agents.

With its latest development of a new media type for post processing of thermoplastic components, printed with the MJF and SLS technology, AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is further expanding its product portfolio. The new media permits the safe, cost-efficient finishing of 3D-printed components with different shapes and sizes in one single process step and with absolutely repeatable results. This eliminates the time-consuming and costly media changes for different processing stages. In combination with the respective printing know-how, the new media mix generates a perfect, finely structured and highly homogeneous surface finish.

With the growing utilization of additive manufacturing for volume production of plastic components, the requirements for cost-efficiency and high-quality surface finishes are becoming more demanding. With a team of experts in the field of automated post processing the Rösler brand AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology is meeting this challenge head-on. The latest development is a media that generates absolutely repeatable, high-quality finishing results on thermoplastic components, which are printed with the powder-bed-based printing technology MJF and SLS. For this novel product, the AM Solutions experts took advantage of the comprehensive development know-how of the Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH. With more than 15,000 products, Rösler offers by far the largest portfolio of media and compounds in the world.  

High versatility makes finishing processes simpler, safer and more cost-effective

The material, shape and size of the new media has been perfectly adapted to the post-processing requirements of 3D-printed plastic components. Christoph Bätz, Project Engineer at AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology explains: "The composition of the new media mix was developed through numerous processing trials. The result is a product that allows the surface finishing of a broad spectrum of components with different shapes and sizes. Irrespective of whether small, delicate work pieces or large components must be treated, the result is always a highly homogeneous, consistent and repeatable finish." The grinding performance depends on the geometrical complexity of the work pieces. For certain applications the surface roughness can be reduced from Ra = 15 μm to Ra = 3 μm within 240 minutes.  

Multi-stage finishing processes frequently require multiple media changes. Since the new MJF/SLS media already contains an optimum mix of different shapes and sizes, the need for such changes could be completely eliminated. Maintaining the correct processing sequence is also no longer necessary. This facilitates the overall handling considerably. In addition, since the new media type can be used for a broad range of applications, stocking multiple media types for different work piece categories is no longer needed, representing significant cost-savings, but higher cost-efficiency is only one part of the story. The new media also helps improve the stability and safety of the finishing processes. Of course, a significant factor is also the consistently high quality of the ceramic media, which is guaranteed through a mostly digitized and tightly controlled manufacturing process. Rainer Schindhelm, Division Manager for the Production of Consumables at Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH comments: “Decades of valuable experience allow us to continuously develop new products that offer a significant added value for our customers and provide solutions to the challenges they have to face. The perfectly adapted interaction between machine, consumables and process know-how makes the innovative, unique solutions of Rösler and its brand AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology highly successful”.  

Efficient surface grinding of 
extremely delicate components without causing any damage 

The surface finishing of particularly delicate work pieces with complex geometries poses especially demanding 3D post-processing challenges. In combination with optimized printing methods, the new media mix generates highly homogeneous results for these difficult finishing tasks. At the same time, it minimizes scrap and saves costs. The experts from AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology will be able to assist you with the engineering for such optimization measures.

For Information: 
Rösler Oberf lächentechnik GmbH
Vorstadt 1, 96190 Untermerzbach
Germany
Tel. +49.9533.924-802
Fax +49.9533.924-300
E-mail: info@solutions-for-am.com
www.solutions-for-am.com