Metal Additive Manufacturing Post Processing Powder Removal
Compressed air or vacuum lines can only remove bulk powders from tightly spaced 3D-printed parts. When flushing with air or water, fluids tend to take the least-resistant path and channel through the larger, more widely spaced tortuous paths, leaving powders trapped in the smaller channels.
The VCN process solves the problem. Since vapor tends to form first in small spaces, fluid is forced from these spaces into the bulk fluid, carrying powders into the larger spaces where they can be carried out of the part. The continuous flushing of small channels, generally every one to three seconds, makes the removal process quick and complete.
READ MORE ABOUT VCN IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE
This video shows the progression of change in solution turbidity over time as powders are removed from a 3D-printed part.