In powder-based 3D printing, various post-processing steps are required from additive manufacturing to the finished component. These include, for example, the removal of residual powder from the components, the allocation and sorting of the components and an optical quality check. These steps are currently mainly carried out manually as the manufactured parts often require individual cleaning and post-treatment. The current process sequence is therefore complex and time-consuming.

Thus, a universal, automated post-processing station is envisaged that includes a fully automated transport and sorting process, automated powder removal and an integrated quality assurance system.

The concept provides a step-by-step cleaning process, a transport by robotic devices using an intelligent gripping system and quality assurance via image recognition based on artificial intelligence.

This enables an efficient, space- and cost-saving design.

The development of the post-processing station is supported by simulations regarding functionality of subsystems as well as the overall workflow. This includes physics-based simulations of cleaning and transport processes and a virtual commissioning.

The concept provides a recirculation of the removed powder. Future research will investigate recycling strategies for used powder of poor quality as it is the case in binder jet 3D printing, where powder is contaminated by adhesive agents.