The vHub provides storage for holding powder from an upstream process and for safely supplying powder to a subsequent process. The integrated vacuum conveyor transports the metal powder from the feed point or the upstream device into the vHub 250. For example, powder can be conveyed from a 3D printer, a powder preparation station (e.g. Powtrex) or from a container over a distance of up to 25 meters. When placed in the immediate vicinity of a 3D printer, the print job can also be unpacked manually using its hose and suction lance.
One area of application is the rapid emptying of even large building volumes in an uninterrupted process. This is made possible by a high conveying capacity (e.g. stainless steel powder up to 1,500 kg/h) in combination with the large storage capacity. The 3D printer is available for new print jobs more quickly and the productivity of the system is improved.
The vHub 250 is typically used for the following tasks:
Typical constellations are:
- 1 x 1: the vHub 250 obtains powder from an upstream device and makes it available for a downstream device.
- 6 x 1: The powder is fed and collected by up to six 3D printers, unpacking stations or other systems. The vHub 250 forwards the powder to a subsequent device, such as a PowTReX
- 1 x 6: In this variant, the vHub 250 serves as a central powder storage for supplying up to six connected 3D printers. The vHub 250 is supplied with processed powder via an upstream Powtrex. A docking station (e.g. vDock) for feeding metal powder from IBC containers is also possible.
A closed powder loop in a multi-machine setup can be implemented , for example, with a PowTReX and two vHub 250 . The first vHub obtains used powder from the connected 3D printers and buffers it. The powder is gradually delivered to the PowTReX and the powder processed there is stored in the second vHub 250. From here, the 3D printers are supplied with metal powder.
Features of the vHub 250:
- Can be used for all metal powders commonly used in Metal AM
- ATEX certified: also suitable for dust-explosive metal powders
- Material in contact with the product: stainless steel (316L), glass bead blasted surface. Ra ~ 1.1 µm, wall thickness: 1.5mm
- Optional: inert gas operation (circulating gas operation)
- Integrated vacuum conveyor:
- sucks up to 1,500 kg of metal powder per hour
- integrated double filter stage to protect employees and the environment
- optional: level-controlled suction via sensor in the upstream powder supply
- optional: remote control for the suction process, with status LED
- Integrated buffer container:
- volume 250L (8.83 ft³)
- volume up to 1000 L by combining up to four vHub 250
- including min./max. sensor
- optional: weighing of the container
- discharge aids
- Feeding pipe bend NW 32 for connection to the subsequent process
- Easy and quick to disassemble and clean without tools
- Unitronics PLC with 2 line display and membrane keyboard
- Required installation area smaller than 1 m²