GE Aviation’s additive manufacturing facility installs a wet downdraft table to collect 3D printing dust
GE Aviation’s additive manufacturing facility in Cincinnati Ohio is focused on producing 3D printed parts for use in advanced turbofan jet engines. One of the parts produced is a 3D printed fuel nozzle, a critical component of the LEAP jet engine. The plant uses a variety of different 3D printing machines including direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), Electron-beam melting (EBM), Selective Laser Melting (SLM) along with other types of 3D printing processes.
These parts are frequently produced from exotic metal alloys including, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, cobalt chrome and stainless steel. In order to prevent fires and combustible dust explosion hazards from 3D printing dust, GE Aviation required a solution that would protect their workforce from the dangers of explosive dust.
Following a site visit by Diversitech’s local representative, a wet downdraft table system was custom designed for their specific deburring and finishing application. The table was divided into 6 workstations, each with a work area of 32” deep by 42” wide with side and back walls and middle dividers to contain the airborne dust. The tables were ducted to two W5000 CFM wet dust collectors with dual silencers and hydrogen vent fans to exhaust flammable hydrogen gas produced as the metal dust oxidizes in the collector’s water reservoir.
The downdraft table was ergonomically designed so that operators could comfortably sit at the table with kick space for their legs. Explosion proof light kits were specified for each work cell along with sound attenuation media on the inner walls to reduce noise levels for workers. A blue cushion grid mat was also placed on the surface of the steel bar grating to prevent parts from getting damaged.
Diversitech’s application engineering department is capable of providing a tailored solution for your 3D printing finishing dust collection application and can custom design a downdraft table work area to meet your specific needs. Companies know that combustible metal dust is a serious workplace hazard and that employees and property need to be protected from the risk of dust fires and explosions. Diversitech has the experience and the team to design the right dust collection system to suit your specific needs.
