Powder removal device for metal additive manufacturing

Major part of metal additive manufacturing is done with powder bed-based methods. When printing parts with overhangs, support structures are needed. Metal powder trapped inside the support structures needs to be removed before detaching the part from building platform and before postprocessing. Powder removal is intensive and time-consuming labour if it is done manually. Manual powder removal can also pose safety risks, such as respiratory damage. With the use of an automatic powder removal device the process can be performed without manual labour, while providing constant results and in a safe manner. In this study, a design for automatic powder removal device for metal additive manufacturing is proposed. The device is designed for research purposes with the focus in safety, simplicity and low cost. It provides a safe and simple way to perform powder removal by users with no prior experience.