What is binder jetting? – (step by step, materials, advantages and disadvantages)

Binder Jetting is a type of 3D printing. The binder jetting procedure employs two materials: a powder and a binder. The binder works as glue between the powder layers. The binder is often liquid, while the construction material is powder. A print head rotates horizontally along the machine’s x and y axes, depositing alternating layers of construction material and binding material. The item being printed is lifted onto the building platform after each layer.

Binder Jetting  – Step by Step

1. A roller is used to disperse powder material across the building platform.
2. The print head applies the binder glue to the powder as needed.
3. The layer thickness of the model lowers the construction platform.
4. Apply another coat of powder over the previous layer. Where the powder is joined to the liquid, the object is produced.
5. The unbound powder remains in place around the item.
6. The procedure is continued until the entire item is completed.

Technical information

1. The binder jetting technique, which employs metal, polymers, and ceramic materials, enables color printing.
2. The process is normally faster than others, and it may be accelerated even more by increasing the number of print head holes that deposit material.
3. The two-material technique provides for a wide range of binder-powder combinations and mechanical characteristics of the final model by varying the ratio and individual qualities of the two components.
4. As a result, the technique is ideally suited for when the interior material structure must be of a certain quality.

Materials

The following materials can be printed using the binder jetting technique:

1. Metals: stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum are examples of metals.
2. Ceramics: zirconia, alumina, and silicon carbide are examples of ceramics.
3. Composites: Metal matrix composites and polymer matrix composites are examples of composites.
4. Plastics: Nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate are examples of plastics.
5. Sand: utilized in foundry applications to make molds and cores.
6. Glass: Binder jetting is being investigated as a potential approach for making glass objects.

Video Example of Binder Jetting

Advantages:

1. Parts can be manufactured in a variety of colors.
2. Makes use of a variety of materials, including metal, polymers, and ceramics.
3. In general, the procedure is speedier than others.
4. The two-material technique provides for a wide range of binder-powder combinations and mechanical characteristics.

Disadvantages:

1. Because of the usage of binder material, it is not always suited for structural elements.
2. Additional post-processing time can significantly lengthen the whole procedure.

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