Guyson's ATEX certified blast systems for post-processing additive manufactured parts

Guyson International has worked in partnership with a European nominated body on their ATEX certification scheme to develop a new range of fully ATEX certified blast systems that incorporate a manual blast cabinet, cyclone separator, and dust collector.

The Euroblast Ex Range of ATEX blast systems has been certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and complies with the requirements of Directive 2014/34/EU-Annex VIII (February 26, 2014). This is particularly relevant in additive manufacturing (AM) applications where the use of fine powders of materials such as plastic, aluminium, titanium, and inconel can create potentially explosive atmospheres.

The ATEX directive demands compliance with essential health and safety requirements, and this has been assured by compliance with:

EN ISO 80079-36:2016
EN ISO 80079-37:2016 }Euroblast Cabinets, Cyclone and Dust Collector
EN 60079-0:2012+A11:2013

PD IEC/TS 60079-46:2017 Euroblast Cabinets and Dust Collector (N/A for Cyclone)

Blast Cabinets

The Euroblast Ex range of ATEX blast systems are suction-fed (SF) machines and are available in the following range of sizes:

* Euroblast 4 SF Ex
Euroblast 6 SF Ex
Euroblast 6 SF Ex Plus (tumble basket option)
Euroblast 8 SF Ex
Euroblast 8 SF Ex Plus (tumble basket option)
* Euroblast 10 SF Ex

*All except the Euroblast 4 & 10 have flush-mounted rotary tables.

Specifically designed for applications that demand ATEX compliance, these cabinets include the following safety features:

• Timed electrical door interlocks, (ATEX rated)
• Full Earth bonding, both internally & externally
• ATEX rated electrical equipment and electrical control enclosure
• ATEX rated pneumatic equipment for blast and air wash controls
• Triple sealed bearings (for rotary tumble basket option)
• ATEX rated motor gearbox, (for rotary tumble basket option)
• Conductive internal surfaces

With these safety features the Euroblast Ex range of ATEX blast cabinets have attained the following ATEX coding:

II 2/3 D Ex 60079-46 IIIC T135°C Db/Dc Tamb -15°C to +40°C

Cyclone Separator

Designed for use with the Euroblast Ex range of ATEX blast systems the CY 75/16 Ex Cyclone is used to separate and reclaim good media from dust and blast debris. It includes the following safety features;

• Full earth bonding
• Conductive internal surfaces

The CY 75/16 EX Cyclone has attained the following ATEX coding and is compliant with zones 21 internally and 22 externally. ATEX Coding of this product:

II 2/3 D Ex h IIIC T135°C Db/Dc

Dust Collector

Developed to form part of the complete Euroblast Ex range of ATEX Blast Systems the C600 Ex Dust Collector is used for filtering out and collecting dust-laden air from the blast cabinet and doing so whilst minimising risk during operation in potentially explosive environments, it includes the following safety features;

• ATEX rated fan motor
• Full earth bonding, both internally and externally
• ATEX rated electrical equipment and controls
• ATEX rated pneumatic equipment including an auto pulse valve for filter clearing
• Secondary HEPA 14 filtration to minimise escape of dust to the open atmosphere
• Conductive internal surfaces

The C600 Ex Dust Collector has attained the following ATEX coding, and depending on the users’ requirements, the product can be supplied compliant to zones 21 internally and 22 externally.

ATEX Coding of this product:

II 2/3 D Ex 60079-46 IIIC T135°C Db/Dc