Binder Jetting (BJ) - An Overview

Illustration of BJ binder jetting process producing metal gears with advantages and materials used.

Powder-based printing technology that uses a liquid binder to join material particles layer by layer

Pros:

Pros: High speed, cost-effective for volume production, particularly in cost-effective metal part manufacturing, no support structures needed, and scalable for batch production using powder-based printing.

Cons:

Lower mechanical strength (before post-processing) is a common challenge in batch production of metal parts. This process often requires sintering or infiltration to enhance durability, particularly in cost-effective metal part manufacturing. Additionally, surface porosity can be an issue in powder-based printing methods.

Materials:

In the realm of batch production, materials such as stainless steel, tool steel, Inconel, ceramics, and sand are essential for cost-effective metal part manufacturing, especially when utilizing powder-based printing techniques.

Typical Size:

Medium to large sizes (up to ~800 mm, depending on the system) are ideal for batch production and cost-effective metal part manufacturing using powder-based printing.

When to Use:

Batch production, along with complex geometries and casting molds, plays a crucial role in cost-effective metal part manufacturing and powder-based printing.