Initial X Rösler: Development of an autonomous powder removal machine
A shared ambition
This project fully illustrates our commitment to supporting manufacturers in developing high-performance, automated, and economically viable post-processing solutions. By collaborating with Rösler, Initial is part of a joint effort to advance additive manufacturing standards, from printing to the finished part.
As part of its R&D program, Rösler France, a manufacturer of industrial post-treatment solutions, is currently developing a new automated powder removal machine using sandblasting. This project, led by its AM Solutions division, aims to enhance the existing offering—particularly the S1 range—with a more accessible solution that can be adapted to the constraints of additive manufacturing.
A collaboration based on experimentation
To ensure the reliability of this new technology, Rösler asked Initial to supply the parts needed for powder removal testing. These tests, carried out at the Sens site, will evaluate the machine’s ability to effectively process printed parts according to different parameters of size, geometry, and material.
The parts will come from our SLS fleet in order to produce raw, non-powder-coated parts that can be particularly difficult to clean.
The aim is to test the effectiveness of powder removal without any upstream pre-cleaning steps.
Testing to innovate
The tests will aim to validate consistent and reproducible powder removal by comparing different media—including plastic and stainless steel balls—on two types of materials: PA2200 (polyamide) and Alumide (aluminum-filled PA).
This test phase will require several iterations, with volumes of parts in the order of 5 liters per series. The parts will be directly selected and manufactured by our teams, in close coordination with Rösler, before being shipped for integration into the test protocol.