Methods and system for removal of powder from an additively manufactured part

A system for removal of unwanted powder from additively manufactured objects manufactured by a powder bed 3D printer, said system comprising:

• a housing;
• a loading area located in the housing, said loading area sized and configured to receive an exchangeable printing frame used in the powder bed 3D printer and removed therefrom, wherein the exchangeable printing frame contains the additively manufactured objects and the unwanted powder;
• a lift mechanism located in said loading area adapted to remove said additively manufactured objects and the unwanted powder from the exchangeable printing frame into a transfer section;
• a platform grate located in said housing adjacent to said transfer section, said platform grate having openings therein;
• an actuator in said housing adapted to move said additively manufactured objects and the unwanted powder from said transfer section onto said platform grate;
• and
• a mechanism adapted to impart vibration to said platform grate, said mechanism located above and connected to said platform grate, wherein said mechanism adapted to impart vibration comprises at least one fluidic muscle,
• wherein said unwanted powder is separated from said additively manufactured objects by operation of said mechanism imparting vibration to said platform grate and wherein said unwanted powder is removed by passing through the openings in said platform grate.