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Automated post-processing systems manufacturer Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has partnered with Prototal Industries to integrate automated post-processing into Prototal’s AM operations.
The agreement includes the installation of AMT’s vapor smoothing and depowdering equipment across Prototal’s European facilities, starting with sites in Austria, Denmark, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, with additional locations to follow.
Beyond equipment rollout, the partnership focuses on improving efficiency and repeatability in 3D printing workflows. Acting as a beta testing partner, Prototal will provide AMT with insights from day-to-day operations, helping to refine existing machines and guide the development of future post-processing technologies.
“Our shared vision with Prototal is simple: drive industrialisation, repeatability, and scalability in additive manufacturing,” said Giorgio Ioannides, Head of Sales at AMT. “By combining our advanced post-processing with Prototal’s vast AM capabilities, we’re delivering unmatched quality, consistency, and efficiency — all while reducing costs to enable broader industry adoption.”
Broadening access to post-processing solutions
The deal with Prototal reflects a broader expansion strategy for the post-processing systems manufacturer. Earlier this month, AMT signed a reseller deal with SurfacePrep to expand distribution of its PostPro vapor smoothing and finishing systems in North America. Originally developed for 3D printing, the technology is also being applied to conventional production, where it can enhance surface quality and extend the performance of machined parts.
One recent installation is expected to handle more than 120,000 parts annually and generate substantial cost savings. Through SurfacePrep’s distribution network, the partnership will target sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing, while also marking SurfacePrep’s first move into the AM market.
Alongside its partnerships, AMT has also been extending its product line., AMT introduced the PostPro DPX, a compact automated depowdering unit designed for non-industrial 3D printing users. Priced at €15,995, the DPX is intended as a companion to the desktop-scale PostPro SFX.
The system includes a 10-liter basket, touchscreen controls, an ionization unit to limit static, and a high-efficiency filtration system. Safety features include ATEX certification and built-in gloves for manual handling. With a small footprint, the DPX is suited to dental labs, jewelry workshops, and prototyping environments.
Three years ago, AMT’s PostPro chemical vapor smoothing technology was applied to a medical project involving a custom 3D printed prosthetic developed by Proteo. Produced with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) process, the DuoSocket device combined a TPU inner socket with a PA12 outer layer but initially caused discomfort due to surface roughness.
PostPro smoothing sealed and refined the surface without altering the fit, improving flexibility, mechanical strength, and hygiene by preventing sweat absorption. The patient was able to return to physical activity, illustrating the potential of vapor smoothing for personalized medical applications.
Importance of post-processing parts
Once seen as a bottleneck, post-processing has become a critical area of focus for companies seeking to improve efficiency and surface quality in end-use parts.
With this in mind, European space travel start-up The Exploration Company adopted Solukon’s SFM-AT350-E ultrasonic depowdering system, integrated with SPR-Pathfinder software, to support production of 3D printed components for its reusable Nyx space capsule.
Designed for parts up to 100 kg, the system uses piezoelectric ultrasonic excitation to clean laser-melted metal parts more quietly and efficiently than pneumatic vibrators. The software simulated component geometries to optimize cleaning paths, ensuring complete powder removal and reducing design risks. This approach also lowered compressed air use, enabled powder recycling, and aligned with sustainable manufacturing goals.
Elsewhere, Buffalo-based automated post-processing systems developer PostProcess Technologies secured its 50th patent, underscoring its work in automating steps such as support removal, resin cleaning, and part finishing in additive manufacturing.
Over the past decade, the company has built a portfolio spanning hardware, software, and chemistry designed to function together across different printing technologies and production volumes. Its intellectual property strategy has run alongside product development, focusing on solutions that enable repeatability and scale. The milestone reflects the company’s continued investment in reducing manual labor in post-print workflows.
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Featured image shows AMT PostPro SFX process chamber. Photo via AMT.
