Fully Executed BNJ For Metal Powder Sieving Vacuums(1)_Redacted.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SUSTAINMENT CENTER (AFMC)

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA

14 May 2026

TO: AFSC/PZIM

FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 CMXG

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for C26-065 ET Metal Powder Sieving Vacuums

1. This action is a request for approval of a Brand Name justification to procure three (3) powder reclamation systems One (1) 9053 SSS Sonic Powder Conditioner; SPC-ATEX Two (2) 9053 SSS Sonic Powder Conditioner; SPC. These systems are required to support the REACT facility's operations and specifically interface with existing GE Concept Laser M2 Series 5 metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) 3D printers.

2. REACT requires three (3) standalone powder reclamation systems designed to remove, collect, and sieve hazardous and reactive powders (nickel, cobalt chrome, and aluminum alloys) generated during metal LPBF 3D printing.

The required salient characteristics and system features include:

• System Functionality & Interface: Each unit must be a standalone system positioned adjacent to the M2 glove box. Operations must begin with vacuum extraction of residual powder from the completed build platform and overflow hopper, utilizing vacuum hoses that interface directly with the printer's integrated vacuum port and overflow hopper outlet.

• Powder Handling & Processing: Extracted powder must be transferred to a buffer hopper and automatically dispensed onto a sieve with an automatically controlled feed rate (e.g., pinch valve) to prevent overload. Reclaimed powder must be returned to an OEM container or hopper for reuse, while coarse particles/contaminants are collected in a dedicated waste container.

• Atmosphere & Safety: Sieving must occur under an inert gas atmosphere for all materials. Systems handling aluminum must feature an explosion-proof design compliant with ATEX Zone 20 (or equivalent) and hold CE or UL safety certifications.

• Conveying & Sieving Mechanisms: Must include a powder conveyor system suitable for heavy/reactive metals (equivalent to Piab FC.P100.TX2.32 for aluminum). It must feature interchangeable sieve sets (75-micron for nickel and aluminum; 63-micron for cobalt chrome; two per system).

• Agitation & Flow: Must utilize dual agitation methods (ultrasonic and vibratory) for consistent sieving, and an ultrasonic knocker to prevent powder bridging in the buffer hopper.

• Measurement: Must include integrated scales for measuring both coarse waste and fine reclaimed powder.

3. The requested One (1) 9053 SSS Sonic Powder Conditioner; SPC-ATEX Two (2) 9053 SSS Sonic Powder Conditioner; SPC sieving vacuums are to REACT's

, throughput, and personnel safety.

• Personnel Health and Safety: Without these specialized sieving vacuums, REACT personnel must continue depowdering metal prints manually. The current manual process requires machine technicians to scoop and brush powder directly from the printer, which drastically increases exposure to hazardous, reactive metal powders. Furthermore, manual sieving does not efficiently remove fine particles. These particles can become airborne, resulting in severe health and inhalation risks to the machine technicians. The automated, enclosed vacuum and inert gas environment provided by this system mitigates this safety hazard.

• Operational Efficiency and Throughput: The current manual process machine changeovers. The required system consolidates depowdering and powder sieving into one seamless, automated step. This automated reclamation directly increases production throughput and drastically reduces machine .

• Compatibility: The system must interface directly with the integrated vacuum ports and overflow hopper outlets of the existing GE Concept Laser M2 Series 5 printers currently operated by REACT.

To ensure system reliability and safety when handling reactive metals, the manufacturer must:

• Demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years' experience producing comparable powder handling and sieving systems.

• Provide redacted references from customers who have purchased the exact same system within the past twelve (12) months.

4. Market research reviewed commercially available powder screening systems capable of supporting AM metal powder applications. Suppliers such as Russell Finex and Farleygreene manufacture industrial vibratory screening equipment. However, these systems do not provide integrated vacuum conveying within a sealed powder handling architecture suitable for the closed-loop inert gas operation required for reactive AM powders. The use of such systems would require additional equipment and custom integration, increasing contamination risk, inert gas loss, and lifecycle costs.