Volkmann USA, a powder handling equipment manufacturer based in Bristol, Pennsylvania, has introduced the next generation of its PowTReX automated metal powder conveying system. First launched in 2018, the PowTReX platform is designed to support metal additive manufacturing operations producing large volumes of parts using multiple 3D printers. The updated system integrates powder transfer, recovery, sieving, and reuse into a single enclosed workflow.
Powder handling remains a required operational step in metal 3D printing environments operating multiple machines. Volkmann’s PowTReX system automates the transfer of metal powder from a container or supply hopper, extracts used powder following a completed build, and sieves the material to remove oversized particles. Material that meets specification is collected and returned to the printing process, enabling reuse without manual handling between build cycles.
At the core of the system is proprietary material handling technology that Volkmann has been deployed in more than 100 additive manufacturing installations worldwide. Powder is conveyed from storage using vacuum transfer into a buffer before being fed into an ultrasonic screening unit. Oversized particles and agglomerates are separated during this step, while on-spec material is transferred onward for use in metal 3D printers.
An enclosed, explosion-proof system architecture isolates powder handling from the surrounding environment. According to the company, this configuration protects material from contamination and limits worker contact with metal powders during transfer and recovery. Manual handling steps associated with loading, unloading, and screening powder are eliminated by consolidating these functions into a closed system.
Portability allows the system to be installed alongside metal 3D printers from different manufacturers. The system is suitable for a range of metallic and ceramic powders used in additive manufacturing, including tungsten, cobalt, silver powder, iron, stainless steel, alumina, nickel chrome, copper, titanium, carbide dust, corundum, and other metallic powders. An inert gas configuration is available as an option.
Volkmann, Inc. is headquartered at 1900 Frost Road, Suite 102, Bristol, PA 19007, and can be reached at +1 609 265 0101 or via email at [email protected]. Additional information is available at www.volkmannusa.com.
Powder processing constraints in scaled metal 3D printing workflows
Powder recovery and sieving speed remain limiting constraints in metal 3D printing environments operating multiple machines. In 2024, Russell Finex, an industrial sieving and filtration solutions provider, introduced the AMPro Sieve Station Connect to address delays and variability introduced by manual powder handling between builds. The system integrates closed-loop powder recovery with direct printer connections and supports OPC UA connectivity for process monitoring and powder traceability. Testing at the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre showed a 75% reduction in sieving time when used with an EOS M400 metal 3D printer, while eliminating manual powder handling during post-build recovery. These results highlighted how powder screening speed and repeatability can constrain machine utilization in multi-printer workflows.
Powder removal after printing remains a constraint for large and complex metal parts. In November 2025, Nikon Corporation installed a Solukon SFM-AT1000-S automated depowdering system at its AM Technology Center Japan to support parts produced on the NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. Designed for components weighing up to 800 kg, the system connects to Nikon’s digital workflow via OPC UA to capture depowdering process data. A high-frequency knocker enables powder removal from enclosed internal geometries, while Solukon’s SPR-Pathfinder software uses CAD data to calculate optimized depowdering motion paths. The company stated the installation was intended to support metal AM applications that cannot be depowdered reliably using manual methods.
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Featured photo shows PowTReX automated powder handling system. Photo via Volkmann USA.
