Premiere at Formnext 2022
KNF presents new diaphragm pumps with superior parametrization for metal 3D printers
Degassing, printhead cleaning, purging and vacuum fixation of workpieces are important requirements for metal 3D printing systems to function properly. Vacuum and pressure pumps help accomplish these tasks. These pumps are chosen for their durability in combination with complete flexible control. Most 3D printing systems use KNF micro gas pumps, which will be showcased at this year’s Formnext (15 to 18 November 2022, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) with a new generation of digital, brushless DC motors for the very first time.
Newly Developed BLDC Motor
A pump’s durability largely depends on how robust its drive is. Brushless motors outperform brush motors thanks to a lack of sliding contacts, which are prone to wear. KNF has identified potential to further boost the technical capabilities of brushless DC motors and has entered a partnership with a renowned drive supplier to create a new generation of motors, KNF DC-BI. These motors complement the company’s “Digital Customization” portfolio of digital, brushless motors.
Improved Performance-to-Size Ratio
The gas pump series NMP 830, NMP 850, NMP 830 HP and NMP 850 HP will be equipped with the new DC-BI motors as a standard. A brief look at the new design of these pressure and vacuum pumps reveals a complete reinvention of previous construction approaches. An even better performance-to-size ratio is one of many advantages provided by this change.
Integrated Motor and Optimized Bearings for Longer Service Life
With decades of experience developing motors in-house, KNF has the knowledge and capability to specify both the hardware and the software of a drive to support the application of the pump in the best possible way. The new diaphragm pumps are visibly more compact, enabled by a new motor mount concept integrating the motor into the pump housing. It is now close to the ball bearing which also had its dimensions optimized. This configuration reduces strain and prolongs the service life of the pressure and vacuum pumps.
Digital Customization Enables Maximum Pump Control
In-house developed electronics and software power new functionalities that enable holistic control of the motor. This provides the opportunity to program motor characteristics and control individually. The pump characteristic curve can be customized and precisely defined to exact needs. Extensive parametrization is a key feature of all KNF motors from the “Digital Customization” series.
Fit for Various Binder Jetting Tasks
Featuring the new, technically advanced DC-BI motors, the pressure and vacuum pumps of the NMP 830, NMP 850, NMP 830 HP and NMP 850 HP series will perform tasks like degassing, printhead cleaning, purging and vacuum fixation in 3D printing systems at a significantly advanced technical level. This makes them important components of binder jetting processes that meet the market requirements of the future.
