AddUp - Model FormUp 350 Evolution -Large-Scale L-PBF Machines

Powder is a key element of final parts quality. It is a very sensitive element which can be highly degraded when exposed to oxygen, smokes, … The Autonomous Power Module (APM), developed exclusively for the FormUp in partnership with AZO, is in charge of the full powder management. Unlike other solutions, the APM keeps powder in fully inerted condition from start to finish. It guarantees a constant supply of powder, without interrupting production, regardless of the quantities to be produced.

Furthermore, complete inerting of the APM for powder storage, conveying, and handling with use of a glove box during the loading and unloading of the powder ensures that the powder is not exposed to the environment or to operators. The APM’s powder sampling device allows for easy sampling of powder at any time through the glovebox, minimizing risk of exposure to powders. The APM also has automatic cycles for circuit purge and emptying ensuring that the powder handling system is always clean.

Managing the fumes generated during melting is a particularly important step. Depending on the material used, the number of lasers operated and the surface area to be fused, the quantity of fumes produced can saturate an inefficient treatment system and potentially create serious risks for operators.

The FormUp 350 Evolution features a top-of-the-range treatment system capable of efficiently collecting the fumes created, while automatically ensuring the cleaning and passivation phases. This system is based on 6 parallel filters with a service life of 3 years under intensive conditions.

• Industrial fume management
• Real-time and historical cycle traceability
• 3-year filter life
• Automatic passivation and cleaning sequences

On the FormUp 350 Evolution, every effort has been made to minimize operator workload and maximize operational efficiency.

As soon as the tray is loaded, NCore, the FormUp 350’s on-board software, automatically handles all operations: plate hooking and referencing, inerting sequence, hooking grid firing and production start-up. If required, automatic mode can be replaced by manual mode, while maintaining a high level of assistance. The user interface then exposes a succession of predetermined steps, which can be sequenced according to the user’s needs. A customizable production start-up checklist can also be presented to confirm the machine’s operating status prior to production. At the end of production, the optimized cooling sequence takes over, freeing up access to the de-soldering sequence as soon as possible. Production reports, containing all the information required for traceability purposes, are generated in parallel.

• Automatic product launch sequences
• Simplified workflow for manual use
• Customizable start-up checklists
• Automatic end-of-production management with full reporting

AddUp software has a view of what is occurring inside the machine, analysis of the execution of production, and analysis of the quality of layering. Each of these solutions and the parameters can be tailored to different needs of various manufacturing roles.

Manufacturing Managers will follow the load of their workshop and make sure they do not encounter any bottlenecks. Quality Experts will have access to a Build Report which includes every single event during production, with an OK / INCOMPLETE / FLAG status automatically generated. Finally, Process Experts will have full control over dozens of variables, with advanced features to cross reference Key Process Parameters or KPPs.