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Binder-jet 3D printing is revving up

Automakers begin to use binder-jet printing for production vehicles

3d printing

The Cadillac 2022 Blackwing will sport a manual-transmission shift knob with a binder-jetted medallion. GM

In the past few months I’ve noticed more reports being published on the use of binder-jet 3D printing. Here’s three examples of what I’ve read:

Volkswagen announced plans to begin binder-jetting components for installation in automobiles produced at its Wolfsburg, Germany, plant. The carmaker expects to 3D-print up to 100,000 components annually at Wolfsburg by 2025.

Ford and 3D printer builder ExOne announced they had developed a patent-pending process for binder-jetting and sintering parts from 6061 aluminum—one of the most popular aluminum alloys in the world. Finished parts reportedly have a density of 99%.

The first binder-jetted part on a General Motors production car will be the medallion on the shifter knob of the six-speed 2022 Cadillac Blackwing. Azoth 3D is additively manufacturing the metal part for the 668-HP sports sedan.

It’s significant that reports about binder jetting are coming from the automotive world. Automakers have been reluctant to embrace additive manufacturing because the technology doesn’t meet their need for mass-produced parts.

According to proponents, though, binder jetting’s production capabilities are closer to those of conventional processes than other metal AM technologies. Jetting is also less complicated than other types of metal 3D printing and builds objects from readily available MIM powders. Among the downsides are part surfaces require a secondary finishing operation and the need to sinter printed parts, which can lead to shrinkage.

Still, the volume of talk about binder jetting is rising. We’ll see if carmakers and other manufacturers hear the message.

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FMA Communications Inc.

Don Nelson

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Don Nelson has reported on and been in the manufacturing industry for more than 25 years.