Post-processing system manufacturer Solukon displayed its novel range of depowdering equipment at Formnext 2025 last week.
A special version of the SFM-AT800-S was on display, combining automated part transport, depowdering, and a robotic finishing stage in a setup developed with Grenzebach and Yaskawa. According to the manufacturer, the arrangement is meant to illustrate how multiple post-processing steps can function as a coordinated workflow rather than as separate manual tasks.
Another system on display was the SFM-AT350-E, identified as Solukon’s most widely used model. It uses ultrasonic excitation to remove powder from sensitive geometries in a gentler and quieter manner than conventional mechanical movement. Capacity extends to parts weighing up to 100 kg, along with the build plates used in larger metal additive manufacturing platforms such as the EOS M 400 and Nikon SLM 500.
Solukon marked its 10th anniversary at the event, offering an anniversary package to the first 50 visitors who stopped at booth 12.0, D71, clicked a photo with the team in an anniversary frame, and allowed the image to be used on LinkedIn.
Growing adoption of Solukon’s automated depowdering solutions
In AM, printing tends to receive most of the attention, yet the less visible post-processing stage often dictates overall productivity. Many companies still complete this phase manually, slowing output, raising safety concerns, and limiting scalable workflows.These limitations have led manufacturers to adopt Solukon’s automated systems, which are being used to remove those bottlenecks and deliver clear improvements in efficiency.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Solukon’s SFM-AT350-E depowdering system is being used by The Exploration Company to clean laser-melted metal parts for its 3D printed rocket components. The approach replaces conventional pneumatic vibrators, reducing noise, energy use, and compressed-air demand while protecting fragile geometries.
Integrated SPR-Pathfinder software simulates component rotation to ensure complete powder removal and allows engineers to identify cleaning challenges early in design. Collected powder remains uncontaminated for reuse, supporting both precision requirements and sustainability goals for the Nyx reusable space capsule program.
Last year, Austrian 3D printing company M&H integrated Solukon’s SFM-AT1000-S depowdering system to improve the cleaning of complex metal parts. The system is designed to remove powder from internal channels and cavities in components up to 1,000 mm tall and 800 kg in weight.
It operates with two servo-driven rotating axes, a high-frequency knocker for dislodging powder, and inert gas inerting for reactive materials. Compatibility with SPR-Pathfinder software allows automated motion-path calculation from CAD data, while the setup provides the precision needed for materials such as titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, Scalmalloy, and Inconel in sectors including aerospace and Formula 1.
New post-processing systems for AM
Away from Solukon, PostProcess Technologies introduced the DEMI X 5000, an automated resin-removal system designed for growing large-format SLA workflows, at this year’s Formnext tradeshow. Building on the DEMI 4100, the machine offers faster cycle times, processing full-size SLA builds in under 10 minutes, along with improved detergent flow, ergonomics, and safety.
It used non-flammable chemistry that reduces waste-disposal costs by up to 75% compared to IPA. The system features multi-vortex agitation from variable-speed pumps, an adjustable tilt mechanism, reinforced sealing, and a redesigned loading system, while the AUTOMAT3D platform enables recipe control and repeatable cleaning performance.
A year ago, Cleaning and surface finishing systems manufacturer DyeMansion introduced three post-processing products at Formnext, including the Powershot X, an automated blasting system offering PolyShot Cleaning, Surfacing, and combined C&S modes for adaptable finishing and scalable production.
The upgraded DM60 Reservoir supports black dyeing with sensor-controlled water management, up to 12 reuse cycles, and residual-heat recovery that shortens process times by up to 30% and cuts costs by more than 50%. DyeMansion also launched the Automotive ColorsX range, providing UV- and heat-resistant colors with grey-scale values up to four times higher for durable, customizable applications in automotive environments.
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Featured image shows Solukon’s SFM-AT800-S special version. Photo via Solukon.
