Explosion-Proof Metal Powder Conveyors Aid Compliance with New NFPA 660 Standard for Combustible Dust

Enclosed 3D Printing Conveyors by Volkmann Prevent Dust Hazard

Bristol, PA: Metal powder conveyors for 3D printing from process equipment manufacturer Volkmann USA, Bristol, PA, feature an explosion-proof design that will help metal additive manufacturers comply with the forthcoming NFPA 660 Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids Chapter 12 covering combustible metals. Eliminating electrostatic charges as a potential ignition source, the Volkmann pneumatic vacuum conveyors automatically transfer the ignitable metal powders from storage to 3D printers within an enclosed, sealed system for safe, smooth powder transfer without using electricity and without generating heat. The potential for metallic powders to escape the closed system as a fuel source is also eliminated.

To be showcased at RAPID+tct 2024, booth #1667 on June 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, Calif., the Volkmann metal powder conveyors earned the ATEX certification as proven safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in both normal air environments and under inert conditions as an option. The vacuum conveying system is suitable for transferring cobalt, tungsten, iron, silver powder, alumina, stainless steel, copper, nickel chrome, titanium, and other metal additive manufacturing powders.

The Volkmann vacuum conveyors may be installed as part of a complete, automated system integrating metal powder handling, transfer, extraction, sieving, and reprocessing. The material handling system may serve one or many 3D printers.