Sandblaster SLS

Parts printed using SLS technology require surface post-processing in order to remove excess powder adhering to the surface and improve the surface quality of the part. The best way to perform this post-processing is by sandblasting, however most cabins are not optimised to work with fine powders.

Because of this, it is common that during the post-processing of printed parts in these cabins, a part of the powder leaks out, which reduces the cleaning of the working environment.

Image 1: Sandblasting cabinet for metal parts. Source: rp-tools.com

These leakages are mainly caused by three factors:

• Inefficient filters with fine dust.
• Seals and gaskets not prepared for fine dust.
• Generation of significant positive pressure inside the cabin.

This is why Sinterit, in order to offer the cleanest and safest compact SLS 3D printing solution on the market, has completely redesigned its Sandblaster XL cabin to offer the first sandblast cabin designed specifically for SLS 3D printing.

High working volume in a compact format

The Sandblaster SLS has an internal working volume of 675 x 450 x 415 mm contained in a footprint of only 720 x 700 x 550 mm, making it a perfect accessory for compact SLS solutions. Like the Sandblaster XL, it can also be attached to the side shelf of the Sinterit Powder Handling Station.

Image 2: Sandblaster SLS attached to the side of the PHS. Source: Sinterit.com

Increased work cleanliness

Sinterit Sandblaster SLS includes important improvements that ensure minimal or no dust leakage. All joints are fitted with high efficiency gaskets to ensure optimum sealing against fine dust. In addition, the outlet filter has been replaced with a HEPA filter system capable of retaining the finest particles. Thanks to these two improvements, dust leakage is drastically reduced.

However, Sinterit has added an additional function that ensures that there is no dust leakage and also minimises the amount of suspended dust inside the cabin. Thanks to the built-in extraction socket, it is possible to connect an ATEX hoover. The forced suction creates a negative pressure inside the cabin, which completely prevents dust leakage and removes suspended dust from the interior.

Image 3: Suction system of Sandblaster SLS. Source: Sinterit.com

This, combined with the built-in light and the large working window, ensures maximum visibility. In addition, by removing a large amount of suspended dust from the interior, the abrasive material stays cleaner for longer, thus reducing consumption.

Detailed work

The Sandblaster SLS includes other elements to improve the work with printed parts. On the one hand, the base grid has holes as small as 6 x 6 mm, which prevents small parts from being drawn into the abrasive tank.

On the other hand, it has two spray guns, a fixed gun with a standard ceramic nozzle that facilitates the general cleaning of the parts and a manual gun with a low-angle ceramic nozzle that allows the smallest details to be processed with high precision.

Image 4: Sandblaster SLS fixed and manual guns. Source: Sinterit.com

Sinterit Sandblaster SLS is the perfect complement to Sinterit's compact SLS 3D printing solutions. It enables clean and efficient post-processing of printed parts, while integrating with the rest of Sinterit's peripherals.