BJ TechnologyDefinition

BJ Technology (Binder Jetting Technology) is a unique 3D printing process that plays a significant role in additive manufacturing. Originally developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993, it’s a process that bonds powdered materials layer by layer with the selective application of a binding fluid. The first commercial metal binder jetting 3D printer, the RTS-300, was launched in 1998, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of this technology.

This technology is a testament to the ingenuity of modern engineering. By utilizing a liquid binding agent, binder jetting machines can create complex parts in metal and other materials. This distinguishes binder jetting from other 3D printing processes such as selective laser sintering, which requires more energy and time to melt and fuse material.

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BJ TechnologyProcess Principle

1.Spreading a fine layer of powder material over the build platform, often with a roller or a re-coating blade.

2.A print head, similar to those found in ink-jet printers, moves along the X and Y axes above the powder bed, depositing binder adhesive only where the part is to be built.

3.After each layer of binder is added, the build platform lowers by a predetermined layer thickness.

4.This makes way for a new powder layer and binder for the next level of the part.

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During this process, the object being printed is supported by the surrounding unbound powder, eliminating the need for additional support structures. Once the printing is complete, the part is left to cure to gain strength, and any excess powder is removed, typically using pressurized air, to finalize the print. This unique additive manufacturing process enables the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing techniques.

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BJ TechnologyApplications

Binder jetting finds application in a broad spectrum of industries, including:

◉ Automotive

◉ Aerospace

◉ Pharmaceutical

◉ Biomedical

Innovative uses of binder jetting extend into various industries, including:

◉ Culinary industry: creating complex sugar structures

◉ Automotive and consumer sectors: full additive manufacturing solutions

◉ Manufacturing: low-cost metal parts, large sand-casting cores, and moulds

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BJ TECHNOLOGYProcess Characteristics

◉ Handle High-Volume Production: This makes it an ideal solution for large-scale manufacturing needs. Furthermore, compared to other 3D printing technologies, binder jetting achieves faster production times due to its layer-based binding process.

◉ Environmental Benefit: Minimal waste generation, as the unused powder can be recycled for future prints, is one of its eco-friendly aspects. Moreover, the technology reduces manufacturing complexity as it can produce parts in a single step, saving costs on assembly. These benefits make binder jetting a cost-effective and green manufacturing solution.