Versatile Powder Feeding in Automated Additive Manufacturing

Oerlikon Metco (US) Inc. (Westbury, NY) offers their versatile Twin 150 multi-process powder feeder that can be easily and fully integrated into a powder additive manufacturing system. The new Twin 150 can be operated in Full Remote Mode, where the feeder’s functions are completely controlled by the user’s external control system, such as a robot or process controller, using UDP/IP or PROFIBUS protocols. If desired, the Twin 150 can also be used in Stand-Alone (manual operation) or Remote On/Off mode, where an external mechanism turns powder feeding on or off. “Owners of many types of powder-fed systems will benefit from the ability of the Twin 150 to fully integrate into their automated system by allowing them to simplify their processing with better process control,” explained Omar Sabouni, a product line manager at Oerlikon Metco, where volumetric powder feeders have long been a favorite of laser cladding manufacturers because of the accuracy of their feeding mechanism, even at very low feed rates.

The Twin 150 feeder, with its ability for full system integration, is expected to be an attractive choice for manufacturers of powder-fed laser cladding, additive manufacturing and thermal spray systems. This unit has two powder hoppers that can be used independently or simultaneously, adding to the versatility of this system. The company also offers application-specific options for the Twin 150 feeder that allow the user to feed a wide range of powders under a variety of conditions to meet the needs of many different powder-fed manufacturing processes.

Oerlikon Metco (US) Inc., 1101 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590, 516-334-1300, www.oerlikon.com.