Optimal gas pressure in the process chamber is of enormous importance in the 3D printing process. During this process, the metal is melted and formed into the required shape. SLM Solutions Group AG, a manufacturer of 3D printer for metals, utilizes WITT’s AV 919 safety relief valve to keep the gas pressure constant during melting.
At the beginning of the 3D printing process, the process chamber is flooded with argon. While the machine’s lasers operate, however, this atmosphere changes: Smoke fumes are created which endanger optimal conditions on the working surface. To ensure a perfect melting process, therefore, a circulation of the protective gas and a constant compensation takes place, but this could potentially lead to uncontrolled pressure increase in the process chamber.
The delicate glass optics of the lasers could be damaged by increased pressure. Highly sensitive safety relief valves of the series AV 919 from WITT helps keep the chambers’ pressure constant. They open exactly to the set opening pressure and close immediately when the nominal value is again reached. The atmosphere in the process chamber thus remains within the optimum ratio.
