Bristol, PA: Metal powder conveying equipment manufacturer Volkmann GmbH, Soest, Germany, has introduced the vPort. Jointly developed with HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions via a global partnership, the new vPort is a semi-automated, contained metal powder handling solution devised specifically for the HP Metal Jet S100 line of 3D printers. The vPort integrates parts cleaning, powder recovery, and powder refilling in a single unit, all safely contained and accessed via glove box. Excess metal powders are captured from the build unit, transferred, sieved, and recovered in a smooth, efficient workflow. This ensures operators remain protected from material exposure while maintaining full containment to prevent contamination. 

 

To operate the new vPort, a single worker locks the HP build unit into the docking port then accesses the printed part through the glove box. The part is gently decaked of excess powder via vacuum nozzle and fine cleaned using pressurized air. Then the build unit is emptied, cleaned, and refilled with powder from the integrated supply hopper. The excess powder is sieved and readied for reuse.

 

Offered as an entry level alternative alongside HP’s fully automated powder handling solution, the new vPort is available in the United States, Canada, and Europe via Volkmann. Technical service, support, and replacement parts are also available from the vPort manufacturer. 

 

For more information, contact Volkmann, Inc., 1900 Frost Road Suite 102, Bristol, PA 19007; 609.265.0101; [email protected]; www.Volkmannusa.com.