Materials

DyeMansion completes testing of new post processing technology ready for Formnext 2019 launch

German automated post-processing providerDyeMansionis set to launch new 3D printing post processing equipment at Formnext 2019.

Having completed beta testing of itsVaporFuse Surfacing(VFS) technology within itsPrint-to-Productworkflow, the company will be presenting Powerfuse S, the hardware for this process, at the show next month.

A chemical-based process, VFS technology smooths and glosses polymer-based parts. It was releasedin 2018 as “the first clean vapor technology for 3D printed parts” in its beta-phase for materials such as PA12 and TPU (SLS) and PA12 (MJF).

The Powerfuse S will be unveiled at Formnext month. Image via DyeMansion.
The Powerfuse S will be unveiled at Formnext month. Image via DyeMansion.

Rivaling injection molded parts

VFS is a closed, automated process, capable of making 3D printed parts water repellent and easy to clean, common properties of injection molded parts. “During the process, the surface is dissolved by condensed vapor,” explained DyeMansion’s R&D ChemistDr. Alena Folgeron the introduction of the technology, “Thus, the polymer chains have a sufficiently high mobility and rearrange at the surface.

“The overall surface area and the surface energy is reduced. Concurrently, the part is smoothed. Upon removing the solvent, the polymer hardens again.”

The process is the second surfacing option from DyeMansion, and acts as an alternative toPolyShot Surfacing(PSS), a mechanical matte-finishing process, that also enables the addition of vibrant colors across theRAL spectrum.

The DyeMansion On-Demand Finishing service. Image via DyeMansion.
The DyeMansion On-Demand Finishing service. Image via DyeMansion.

Print-to-Product workflow

The full DyeMansion Print-to-Product workflow provides 3D printed part cleaning, surfacing and coloring for laser sintering (LS) andHP Multi Jet Fusion(MJF) processes. ThePowershot C, delivers automated part cleaning, whereas thePowershot Suses PSS technology. According to the company, the newly developed VFS Powerfuse S system is suitable for both hard and flexible polymer parts.

Visitors to Formnext 2019 can see the Powerfuse S and DyeMansion’s other post processing technologies in Hall 11.1, stand D61 from November 19th to the 22nd.

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Featured image shows a 3D printed post-processed part. Photo via DyeMansion.