Volkmann's vDryer Automates Metal Powder Drying for 3D Printing

Moisture is the hidden defect in metal AM

Metal powders used in binder jetting and powder bed fusion absorb moisture from the air during storage and transport. Aluminum and titanium are especially hygroscopic. Even in a controlled facility, ambient humidity can degrade powder flowability before the material ever reaches the printer.

Wet powder causes poor layer uniformity. It also increases hydrogen porosity in aluminum builds. The result is parts that fail inspection or require costly rework. Traditional drying methods rely on heat, but many metal powders cannot tolerate elevated temperatures without changing their properties.

How the vDryer works

Volkmann USA's vDryer uses an electric vacuum pump to remove moisture from metal powders without applying heat. The system evacuates water vapor at low pressure, restoring the powder to the moisture level specified for the build job. The process is fast and repeatable.

The vDryer mounts on the same frame as the vLoader 250 powder conveyor. It can condition powder before it enters the build chamber, or it can dry used material downstream for screening and reuse. Stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel-chromium alloys, copper, cobalt, tungsten, silver, iron, and alumina are all listed as compatible materials.

Why this matters for production

In qualification-sensitive environments, powder handling is an audit focus. The Performance Review Institute has identified moisture and contamination control as common non-conformances during Nadcap audits. An automated drying step removes one variable from that checklist.

Volkmann already collaborates with HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions on contained powder handling for the Metal Jet S100. The vDryer addresses an earlier stage of the workflow: conditioning incoming material rather than recovering it after printing. Together, these systems move metal AM closer to the repeatable, factory-floor process that aerospace and automotive customers demand.