Metal 3D Printing

Transmitters Safeguarding Process Stability

3D printing technology brings unprecedented innovation and flexibility to enterprises, freeing them from the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods. Companies can now easily adapt to various production needs, designing and producing products with greater agility. Although initial investment costs are relatively high, these costs have started to decrease significantly as the technology advances and market dynamics shift. Compared to conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing technology can save on materials, labor, and time costs. Additionally, by reducing raw material usage, 3D printing produces lightweight and optimized products that not only minimize energy consumption and waste but also promote sustainability and environmental friendliness.

What is Metal 3D Printing?

Metal 3D printing, also known as Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), is a process that builds solid structures layer by layer using metal powders or metal wires. Common metals used include titanium and tungsten. This technology first emerged in the 1980s, primarily for rapid prototyping with plastic materials. As technology progressed, metal 3D printing matured and has become a mainstream manufacturing method across numerous industries, especially in high-precision fields such as aerospace, medical, and automotive.

Metal 3D Printing Process

Metal 3D printing uses various techniques to form metal materials layer by layer. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) utilizes laser or electron beams to melt metal powder incrementally; Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) forms layers by heating metal powder or wire with a laser; and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) resembles traditional welding, using an electric arc to melt metal wire and construct large structures.

Application of Transmitters in Metal 3D Printing

Environmental control significantly impacts production and product quality in metal 3D printing, especially regarding ventilation and humidity control. These factors play a crucial role in print quality and stability, making transmitters essential for monitoring and regulating these parameters.

1. Air Velocity and Airflow Transmitters：

• Prevent Oxidation: In metal 3D printing, particularly in PBF and LMD processes, inert air like argon are required to prevent metal powder oxidation at high temperatures. Transmitters in ventilation systems can monitor airflow in real-time, maintaining a low-oxygen environment to protect the metal surface quality.
• Stabilize Airflow: Air velocity and airflow transmitters help monitor the airflow stability in the work environment, ensuring an even distribution of inert air and preventing issues such as uneven cooling or deformation due to unstable airflow.
• Prevent Dust and Contamination: Airflow transmitters can be installed at the 3D printing chamber's intake, detecting minor changes in gas flow to prevent external dust contamination. In addition, as the metal cools, it produces tiny metallic particles that may not fully adhere to the printed object and disperse as dust. Using transmitters can help prevent secondary contamination from dust during the manufacturing process.

FTM94/95 Industrial High Accuracy Thermal Mass Flow Transmitter

Features : Designed for industrial application. Air flow measurement up to 120 m/s. Resistant to high temperature, high pressure, dust, and corrosion.
Sensor type : Pt20 / Pt300(Air velocity) / Pt1000(Temp.)
Measuring range : 0 ... 120 Nm/s
Output : 4 ... 20 mA / 0 ... 10 V / RS-485 / Impulse
Accuracy : ±1.5% F.S.
IP rating : IP67(Probe) / IP65(Housing)

FTM84/85 Industrial High Accuracy Thermal Air Velocity Transmitter

Features : Suitable for clean air; Resistant to high pressure and high temperature.
Sensor type : Thermal mass flow sensor
Measuring range : 0 ... 90 m/s
Output : 4 ... 20 mA / 0 ... 10 V / RS-485
Accuracy : ±1.5% F.S.
IP rating : IP67

FDM06S Differential Pressure Type Air Flow Transmitter

Features : Enables bi-directional airflow measurement and Calculates medium density and mass flow rate.
Sensor type : Diff. pressure sensor
Measuring range : Standard version : ± (0.8 ... 40 m/s) / High-pressure version : ± (20 ... 200 m/s)
Output : 4 ... 20 mA + RS-485 / 0 ... 10 V + RS-485 / Frequency (0 ... 100 Hz) + RS-485 / Pulse (Option) + RS-485
Accuracy : ±1.5% F.S. (Option±1% F.S.)
IP rating : IP65 (Body) / IP20 (Probe head)

2. Differential Pressure Transmitters:

PHM330 Differential Pressure Transmitter

Features : Suitable for industrial application. High pressure resistance.
Measuring element : Hot-wire type diff. pressure sensor, flow-through
Measuring range : ±50 ... ±1500 pa
Output : Analog, RS-485
Accuracy : ±1.5% F.S. ±3% M.V.
IP rating : IP65

3. Dew Point, Temperature & Humidity Transmitters:

• Prevent Moisture Absorption: Metal powders are highly moisture-sensitive, and excessive humidity can cause powder clumping, impacting print quality. Dew point transmitters can detect relative humidity in real-time, and when humidity levels are too high, the system automatically adjusts ventilation and dehumidification equipment to maintain a dry environment.
• Improve Product Quality: Controlling humidity reduces moisture content in the powder, which minimizes the risk of cracks or voids, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and mechanical performance of the final product.

THS88MAX Industrial Dew Point Transmitter

Features: Suitable for compressed dry air systems and industrial drying systems.
Sensor type: Capacitive humidity sensor & Pt100
Dew point scaling range : -80 ... +20 dp°C
Output: Analog, RS-485
Accuracy: ±1 ... ±2 dp°C
IP rating: IP65(Housing) / Filter IP20(Housing)

THM80X Series Industrial Grade Temperature & Humidity Transmitter

Features : Designed for industrial application. Resistant to high temperature and high pressure.
Sensor type : Capacitive Humidity Sensor & Pt 100 A class
Measuring range : - 40°C ... + 200°C / 0 ... 100%RH
Output : Analog, RS-485
Accuracy :  ±0.15°C /  ±1.2%RH
IP rating : IP65