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Guyson International introduced the Powder Flush system to clean particle residue that remains in 3D-printed trabecular implants of a porous nature.
Additively-manufactured orthopedic implants are typically made by SLS, SLM or EBM processes (Selective Laser Sintering, Selective Laser Melting or Electron Beam Melting, respectively) from titanium powders in a range of micron sizes. Once printed, the implants have the bulk of the residue powder removed from the build block with brushes and vacuums, sometimes followed with an air-wash or blast process to remove semi-adhered particles. Due to the nature of the porous trabecular structures, small residues of powder are often still trapped inside the component.
Used in post-processing, Powder Flush is based on the company’s Orbit 600 rotary basket spray wash unit. It features a 100-liter insulated tank and hot spray, with directed jets to flush components and proceed to a compressed air wash.
A control panel offers data monitoring and a timed pre-heat function, enabling a repeatable process operation. 3D printed implants are loaded on non-contaminating fixtures, individually or in batches, and directed at the flushing jets.
Guyson has designed and built blasting machinery for manufacturers of instruments, orthopedic implants and other medical devices.
Mark Viner, Managing Director, said, “This new Powder Flush unit adds to the already extensive portfolio of Guyson products provided for the 3D Print/Additive Manufacturing market. This includes our Euroblast Ex range of ATEX certified blast cabinets for surface finishing exotic metal AM parts, often used in the aerospace and medical markets.” The company offers the automated Guyson PRS (Powder Recovery System), specifically for EBM additive builds, which uses robotic blasting methodology to reveal components and manage leftover powder in a highly contained blast system, and a line of ultrasonic baths and tanks for 3D-printed fused deposition modeling support removal.
