Tiger-Vac • 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing

C-10 EX DT (PRS-HEC)

PRS vacuum with integrated high-efficiency cyclone for recovery and reuse of metal powder from powder bed fusion printers. Third-party certified for Zone 21 and Zone 22 externally — and uniquely in the class for Zone 20 internally inside the recovery tank (ATEX II 1/3D, IECEx). HEPA H14. Stainless steel SAE 304.

Zone 20 attestation inside the recovery tank — highest ATEX protection level in the class
Dual certified: ATEX (LCIE 15 ATEX 3061) and IECEx (IECEx LCIE 15.0048)
Integrated HEC cyclone — separates up to 98 % of the powder
HEPA H14 as secondary safety barrier
Brushless motor (BLSD) available for extended motor service life
Detachable SS 304 recovery tank — 25 L

Tiger-Vac C-10 EX DT (PRS-HEC) – ATEX Zone 20 internal IECEx powder recovery system

ATEX II 1/3D — Zone 20 internal, Zone 22 external

LCIE 15 ATEX 3061

IECEx LCIE 15.0048

HEPA H14 — EN 1822

EN 17348 — combustible dust

Highest ATEX protection level in the class

The C-10 EX DT (PRS-HEC) is Tiger-Vac's highest-certified powder recovery system for additive manufacturing. Most ATEX vacuums are certified for Zone 21 externally and Zone 22 internally — that is, for rooms and interior surfaces where explosive dust atmospheres occur periodically. The C-10 EX DT goes a decisive step further: the recovery tank is attested for Zone 20, the zone covering locations with permanent presence of explosive dust atmosphere. That is precisely the situation inside a recovery tank filled with fine, conductive metal powder.

This attestation was carried out by notified body LCIE and covers both ATEX (LCIE 15 ATEX 3061) and IECEx (IECEx LCIE 15.0048) for conductive dust in group IIIC. The integrated HEC cyclone separates up to 98 % of the metal powder into the detachable SAE 304 tank before the HEPA H14 filter is reached.

The standard version is supplied with a bypass motor. As an option the unit can be supplied with a brushless motor (BLSD), which increases airflow to 216 m³/h and offers significantly longer motor service life. The BLSD version is always supplied with 4 × H14 HEPA filters.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Filter class	HEPA H14 (EN 1822)
Filter efficiency	99.99 % at 0.3 µm
Cyclone separation	Up to 98 % (before filter)
Motor type (standard)	Bypass
Motor type (option)	Brushless (BLSD) — extended service life
Power (bypass)	1.2 kW / 1,200 W
Power (BLSD)	1.1 kW / 1,100 W
Voltage	220–240 V, 50/60 Hz, single phase
Current (bypass / BLSD)	5 A / 8 A
Airflow (bypass)	194 m³/h
Airflow (BLSD)	216 m³/h
Vacuum pressure (bypass)	2,504 mmH²O
Vacuum pressure (BLSD)	2,250 mmH²O
Noise level	72 dB(A)
Suction inlet	Ø50 mm (2” camlock)
Recovery tank	25 L — detachable, SS 304
Cord length	10.6 m
Recovery type	Dry only

Compliance standards: EN 17348 • EN IEC 60079-0:2018 • EN 60079-31:2014 • EN ISO 80079-36:2016 • EN ISO 80079-37:2016. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Included accessories

3D Tool Kit

Static conductive crushproof hose Ø38 mm × 3 m with 2” camlock. Conical nozzle, round brush and crevice tool (ESD-safe).

Wand set and floor tool

Optional. Double-bend wands in chrome (2 pcs) with conductive floor tool.

Extra recovery tank

Optional. Tank with closing lid and 4 conductive wheels (Part# 223001-ASM1).

Brushless motor (BLSD)

Optional. Brushless motor unit with extended service life. Supplied with 4 × HEPA H14 filters.

Side view 1 — bypass

Side view 2 — BLSD

Frequently asked questions

What is Zone 20, and why does it matter inside the recovery tank?

The zone classification reflects the frequency of explosive atmospheres: Zone 22 is rare and brief, Zone 21 is periodic, and Zone 20 covers locations with permanent presence of explosive dust atmosphere. Inside a recovery tank filling with fine, conductive metal powder — aluminium, titanium, copper — that is precisely the situation during filling and emptying. The Zone 20 attestation ensures the tank construction and materials are approved for this highest risk level.

What is the difference between the bypass motor and the BLSD brushless motor?

The bypass motor is the standard version with robust, proven technology but uses brushes that wear over time. BLSD (Brushless) eliminates brush wear and significantly extends motor service life. The BLSD also provides slightly higher airflow (216 vs 194 m³/h). The BLSD version is always supplied with 4 × HEPA H14 filters. The motor choice does not affect the ATEX certification level.

When should I choose the C-10 EX rather than the EXP1-20 or SS-20?

Choose the C-10 EX when the ATEX hazardous area classification (HAC) requires Zone 20 attestation for the recovery vessel. The EXP1-20 and SS-20 cover Zone 21 internally and Zone 21/22 externally, which is sufficient for most standard 3D printing environments.

Why does the C-10 EX have lower vacuum pressure than the SS-20?

The SS-20 is pneumatic and uses the venturi principle, which naturally generates very high vacuum pressure. The C-10 EX is electric with a bypass motor, typically producing 2,000–2,500 mmH²O. For most applications with hose runs under 5 m, 2,504 mmH²O is more than adequate. Choose the SS-20 when the hose run is long.

Can the recovered powder be reused?

Yes. The HEC cyclone separates 98 % of the powder from the airstream before the filter, so the powder arrives in the recovery tank clean and uncontaminated. It can be sieved and returned to the print process. The optional extra tank (Part# 223001-ASM1) allows tank swapping during continued operation.

What does the IECEx certification cover?

IECEx is an international certification scheme under the IEC, recognised in over 50 countries. The C-10 EX carries IECEx LCIE 15.0048 issued by LCIE. The certificate covers Zone 20 internally (Da) and Zone 22 externally (Dc IP6X) — a full parallel to the ATEX certification, applicable outside the EU.

Is the C-10 EX DT (PRS-HEC) the right model for you?

We advise on the selection of powder recovery systems based on your ATEX hazardous area classification, powder type and operating conditions. Contact us for a concrete review of the zone classification requirements at your facility.

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