The permanent filter module traps soot and condensate particles from the process gas stream in a sintered plate filter. The filter is purged with gas, the waste material coated with an inhibitor, and dropped in a bin for dry disposal, while clean gas returns to the process chamber. This helps stabilize gas flow and ensures part quality throughout long builds without interruption. The elimination of consumable filter cartridges increases safety while improving machine uptime and reducing costs.

Each SLM®800 features an integrated powder tank to supply the machine with a direct source of the material. The additional central powder supply unit (CPS) features two 220l tanks, one fixed for delivery to the machine and one portable for powder refill. Sieves are located both in between the two CPS tanks and on the machine directly before use to ensure powder quality throughout the process. This leads to an increased machine uptime, high safety, and material quality.

The SLM®HUB utilizes a linear axis to drive build cylinders internally between four integrated stations and directly into or out of the SLM®800 machine. The four stations allow an automated de-packing of the part out of the cylinder under inert gas, atmosphere to maintain powder quality. All recovered powder is returned to the powder supply where it will be used in the next build. 

Pulling Station - Full cylinders are pulled from the machine and transported to the depowder station.

Depowder Station - Build cylinders are turned over to pour out loose powder. Once the loose powder is removed the cylinder is vibrated to remove any powder that might be trapped within the part.

Merge Station - Operators can insert blank build plates into the HUB or remove powder-free parts ready for post processing.

Parking Station - Build plates are heated up and full build cylinders are cooled down

SLM Solutions patented laminar gas flow ensures maximum removal of condensate in the build chamber. A clean, soot-free build chamber means the laser has a clear path to the powder bed resulting in high-quality parts the total height of the build.