The novel approach developed by LLNL researchers is to use an electric field as the non-contact-based powder remover.  The main components of the remover are an electrode and a dielectric layer.  As the remover moves across the stage, a high voltage is applied to the electrode that forms an electric field between the electrode and the powder bed.  Under the influence of the electric field, the powder particles migrate towards the electrode and attach to the dielectric layer.  The purpose of the dielectric layer is to prevent charge exchange between the particles and the electrode so that the particles stay attached to the dielectric layer after the high voltage is turned off due to electrostatic force.  Tunable variables like electrode distance, voltage, and scanning speed all affect the electric field strength which in turn changes the powder removal rate.  As the powder remover leaves the powder bed, the system performs a cleaning step that utilizes mechanical brushing, or a strong negative voltage applied to the electrode.  The removed powder is deposited into the powder overflow, which could later be recycled after the printing process is completed.