Solukon Goes Big with New SFM-AT850 Depowdering System

Key Takeaways

• Solukon’s new SFM‑AT850 handles metal parts up to 1 000 kg and a build envelope of 650 × 650 × 800 mm.
• The system replaces the SFM‑AT800‑S (max 500 kg, 500 mm cube) and SFM‑AT1000‑S (max 1 200 kg, 750 mm cube) with a more balanced capacity for large‑scale production.
• Optional ultrasonic excitation improves powder evacuation from tight geometries such as heat‑exchanger channels.
• The AT850 is positioned for high‑throughput industries—hydraulics, aerospace, and automotive—where dense build‑plate packing drives demand.
• Competing depowdering solutions from Nikon (NXG) and EOS (Onyx) focus on similar market segments, but Solukon’s top‑loading design offers faster change‑over and a smaller footprint.

Introduction: Why a New Depowdering Machine Matters

Solukon, a German specialist in metal‑part depowdering, unveiled the SFM‑AT850 in October 2026. The machine is engineered for large, heavy metal components rather than the batch of small parts typical of earlier depowderers. With the rise of full‑scale metal additive‑manufacturing—evidenced by the strong sales of Nikon’s NXG and EOS’s Onyx printers—customers now need a depowdering solution that can keep up with high‑density build plates and mass‑production tolerances.

Core Specifications of the SFM‑AT850

All figures are from Solukon’s technical datasheet (2026).

The AT850’s top‑loading chassis reduces part‑handling steps, cutting operator time by an estimated 15 % compared with side‑loading models. The optional ultrasonic module generates a 20 kHz acoustic field, loosening powder trapped in narrow channels and improving powder recovery rates from ≈85 % to >95 %.

Market Context: Large‑Scale Metal AM Growth

• Nikon NXG and EOS Onyx printers have reported year‑over‑year volume growth of 38 % and 42 %, respectively, in the 2025‑2026 period (source: company press releases).
• These machines produce large‑format parts (up to 900 mm height) that often require dense packing to remain cost‑effective.
• Consequently, the average build‑plate weight for Solukon’s customers has risen from ≈200 kg in 2023 to ≈420 kg in 2026, prompting the need for a depowderer that can handle higher bulk loads without sacrificing cycle time.

Technical Advantages Over Earlier Models

1. Balanced Capacity

The AT850 slots between the AT800‑S and AT1000‑S, delivering 1 000 kg capacity—enough for most industrial parts—while keeping the machine’s footprint modest. This balance reduces capital expenditure for shops that do not require the full 1 200 kg envelope of the AT1000‑S.

2. Faster Change‑Over

The front‑loading door opens 180 ° and aligns with a gravity‑assist conveyor, allowing operators to unload a finished part and load the next one in under 45 seconds. In contrast, side‑loading models average 70 seconds per change.

3. Powder Recovery

With the ultrasonic upgrade, powder trapped in features smaller than 0.5 mm can be dislodged, raising overall powder reuse from ≈85 % to >95 %—a material cost saving of ≈€0.12 per g for typical Ti‑6Al‑4V feedstock.

Comparison with Competing Depowderers