The SpreadStation can be equipped with up to four powder spreading assemblies. Each spreading assembly is set up with a powder feeding system and a powder spreading plate. The feeders and spreading plates can be changed quickly to study different printer parameters and simulate different printer feeding and spreading systems. The spreadering assemblies are removed from the SpreadStation for cleaning between samples. This requires approximately 30 seconds.
Powder Feeders
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Angle Feeder The angle feeder allows the feeding angle of the sample powder to be adjusted as well as the gap at the bottom of the feeder. |
Straight Feeder The straight feeder allows the feeding width and the feeding gap from the sample powder to be adjusted. |
Pressure Feeder The pressure feeder allows the pressure on the top of the sample powder to be adjusted as well as the feeding width and feeding gap.
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The powder feeders deliver sample powder to the spreading zone of the spreading assembly. The feeder can be removed without tools for cleaning and quick changes. The gap that the powder must flow through to reach the spreading zone can be adjusted for all feeders. The height of the exit of the feeder can also be adjusted.
Powder Spreaders
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Flat Spreading Plate The flat spreading plate has a flat bottom and can be rigid or flexible. The standard plate is made of polished stainless steel but many optional materials are available |
Round Spreading Plate The round spreading plate has a round profile at the bottom. |
Rotating Roller Plate The rotating roller plate uses a rotating roller to spread the test powder. The rotating direction and rotation speed is controlled by software |
The powder spreaders determine how the powder layer is formed when the powder is being spread. The spreading gap (leveling height) is set when installing the spreader on the spreading assembly.