At Formnext 2025, TPM3D introduced the PPS V3.0, its latest Powder Processing Station designed to deliver an automated, clean, and fully integrated powder handling workflow for industrial Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) production.
As additive manufacturing transitions toward dust-free, scalable, and highly automated operations, PPS V3.0 addresses long-standing challenges in SLS powder handling, including fragmented processes, powder contamination risks, heavy labor dependency, and low automation levels in post-processing.
6-in-1 Integration: A Closed-Loop Powder Handling Workflow
The PPS V3.0 consolidates six essential powder handling functions into one smart, compact system:
- Parts cleaning
- Powder recycling
- Powder intake
- Powder mixing
- Powder feeding
- Dust collecting
This all-in-one design replaces traditional multi-device setups and eliminates manual transfer between steps. Once a build is completed, the build chamber is placed into the PPS V3.0 Powder Processing Station. After natural cooling, the system automatically begins depowdering, drawing powder via a negative-pressure pipeline into a de-clumping and powder recycling unit before transferring it into the 300 L recycled powder bin.
Recovered material is then sieved, blended with fresh powder through the powder intake and powder mixing modules, and automatically delivered back to the printer through the powder feeding pipeline. Throughout the process, the dust-collecting system keeps airborne particles at an extremely low level, enhancing safety and maintaining a cleaner workspace.
Performance Upgrades: Higher Throughput, Lower Energy Use
The PPS V3.0 pushes SLS powder handling efficiency forward with significant improvements:
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20% smaller footprint for easier installation in workshops and compact facilities
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50% faster depowdering, enabling true 24/7 continuous operation
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90% less compressed air consumption, cutting operational costs substantially
Key engineering enhancements include a redesigned vacuum cleaning structure and upgraded dust recovery unit, ensuring cleaner, more efficient powder handling. The sealed workflow, featuring a high-frequency sieving system and integrated de-clumping module, maintains powder quality while minimizing contamination.
The expanded 300 L recycled powder bin, paired with an external virgin powder bin, ensures an uninterrupted supply for large-format dual-laser systems such as the P550DL and S600DL, strengthening mass-production capability.
Industrial-Grade Safety and Broad Compatibility
PPS V3.0 meets stringent international standards for safe and reliable powder handling:
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Certified for Zone 22 dust explosion protection
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Fully compliant with CE safety requirements
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Filtration performance meets ASHRAE H15 (equivalent to GB/T 14295 high-efficiency standards), ideal for cleanroom use
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Operating noise kept below 70 dB
One PPS V3.0 station can support two TPM3D SLS printers simultaneously, including large-format systems, making it a scalable solution for industrial SLS operations.
Advancing Clean, Automated, and Scalable SLS Powder Handling
The launch of PPS V3.0 reflects TPM3D’s long-term commitment to advancing intelligent, efficient, and clean SLS powder handling solutions. The system demonstrates TPM3D’s continuous innovation and deep technical foundation in automated powder workflows.
Looking ahead, TPM3D will continue expanding its portfolio of SLS industrial solutions, helping global manufacturers accelerate their shift toward digitalized, automated, and environmentally responsible production.
