Metal Powder Recovery for Additive Manufacturing

Overview

In metal additive manufacturing, much of the powder in the build box is never melted. Reusing it is one of the biggest levers on part cost, but only if agglomerates, spatter and other out-of-spec material are removed first.

TiERMAX supplies screening systems that recover and condition used AM powder. Fine sieving separates good powder from reject so it can be qualified and returned to production while staying in the required particle size range.

The Challenge

Powder pulled from a printer cannot go straight back into the machine. Handling and printing introduce agglomerates, spatter and oversize particles. AM powders are also very fine, which makes conventional screening slow and prone to blinding. The goal is reliable separation that does not reject good, expensive powder.

The Solution: Dedicated Metal Powder Recovery

The system uses precision vibratory sieving designed for metal powder recovery. Depending on the powder and target size, it can include:

• 3D 500 vibrating sieve for metal powder recovery
• Fine separation down to 40 µm
• Circular multifrequency sieve for finer or more demanding separations
• Removal of oversize particles and agglomerates
• Stainless steel construction
• Compact frame to sit next to AM equipment
• Quick-connect interfaces for controlled powder transfer
• Optional closed, fully inerted configurations

Controlled Recovery and Reuse

Recovered powder passes through the sieve, where out-of-spec particles are separated from reusable powder. Screened powder then goes back to storage, dosing or the printer. Quick-connect interfaces simplify transfer and reduce exposure. For reactive or very fine powders, inert gas management and enclosed handling can be added.

Suitable Metal Powders

Titanium, stainless steel, nickel alloys including Inconel, copper and tungsten, used in aerospace and defense, automotive and motorsport, medical device and advanced manufacturing applications.

The Results

• Consistent quality of recovered powder
• Reliable removal of oversize and contaminants
• Better particle size control
• Less loss of high-value powder
• Controlled powder handling
• Integration with existing AM equipment
• Optional inert operation

TiERMAX integrates MLT Cuccolini sieving technology into metal powder recovery systems and sieve loading and unloading systems sized for each alloy, cut point and printer.