Paragon Rapid Technologies, a leading UK-based manufacturer specializing in CNC machining and 3D printing, has improved its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process with the installation of a new pneumatic nitrogen generator from Atlas Copco Compressors. The upgrade, which replaced the company’s aging nitrogen generator, ensures high-purity nitrogen supply and enhances production efficiency in its low-volume, precision manufacturing operations.
The Need for Reliable Nitrogen Supply
Paragon, located in Darlington, UK, provides world-class low-volume manufacturing services for industries ranging from automotive to film production. The company’s SLS 3D printing process, which is essential for producing parts with complex geometries, requires a steady supply of high-purity nitrogen. Nitrogen displaces oxygen in the SLS chamber, allowing lasers to operate at the correct temperature and ensuring the precise sintering of metal powders.
According to Craig Rennie, Site Supervisor at Paragon, the existing nitrogen generator was no longer meeting the demands of the SLS process. “The purity levels were inconsistent, fluctuating between 70 and 85 percent, while we required a minimum of 95 percent purity,” Rennie explained. The generator’s aging components also made spare parts harder to source, leading Paragon to seek a more reliable solution.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives
Initially, Paragon considered switching to bottled nitrogen deliveries. However, the environmental impact and high cost of weekly deliveries made this option unsustainable. The company sought a solution that would deliver consistent high-purity nitrogen, reduce energy consumption, and fit within the space of the existing generator.
After consulting several manufacturers, Paragon found that most proposed solutions were oversized and impractical. “Atlas Copco stood out by conducting an on-site survey and designing a solution tailored to our needs,” Rennie noted. Atlas Copco recommended the NGMs 3, a pneumatically powered, point-of-use nitrogen generator that could integrate seamlessly into Paragon’s compressed air system.
NGMs 3: Tailored to Paragon’s Needs
The NGMs 3 is a compact, energy-efficient nitrogen generator that uses membrane separation technology to produce nitrogen with purity levels ranging from 95 to 99.5 percent. The unit includes an integrated gas purity sensor, ensuring consistent gas quality. One of the key advantages for Paragon is that the NGMs 3 operates without requiring an electrical supply, making it an ideal fit for their facility, which faces intermittent electricity issues.
“Since the NGMs 3 operates solely on compressed air, it’s a simple, reliable solution for us,” Rennie explained. “We no longer have to worry about power disruptions affecting our nitrogen supply.”
The NGMs 3 was custom-built to meet Paragon’s specific requirements and delivered within two weeks, minimizing any production downtime. The compact design of the unit also reduced noise and space requirements compared to the old generator, improving the working environment in Paragon’s SLS building.
Cost Savings and Improved Efficiency
Since the installation of the NGMs 3, Paragon has experienced consistent nitrogen purity levels of 98 percent, exceeding the minimum requirement for the SLS process. The on-demand nitrogen generation system has significantly reduced operational costs by eliminating the need for bottled nitrogen and simplifying logistics. Furthermore, the system’s low maintenance requirements and cost-effectiveness have contributed to improved overall efficiency.
“We’ve been really impressed with the performance of the NGMs 3,” said Ryan Wake, Operations Manager at Paragon. “It’s not only met our purity requirements but has also helped reduce wastage and our carbon footprint.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the NGMs 3 has led Paragon to explore further efficiencies in its operations. The company is considering replacing its current fixed-speed compressors with variable speed drive (VSD) models to further optimize energy consumption.
Atlas Copco continues to support Paragon with a service agreement that ensures the long-term performance of the nitrogen generator and other compressed air equipment.
“Investing in the right equipment has been a key part of our strategy,” Wake concluded. “The NGMs 3 has delivered a strong return on investment, enhancing both product quality and operational efficiency.”
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