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Metal binder jetting is a 3D printing technology used to make complex metal parts with excellent mechanical properties. Our partnership with ExOne provides on-demand production capacity with the latest binder jet machines and high-performance metal alloys and composites.
Metal binder jetting can produce metal parts at fraction of the cost of other metal parts with virtually no design limitations. Binder jetting machines have large build areas and produce parts at high speed, making it an excellent option for low to medium batch, rapid turn parts. The speed and affordability of binder jetting make it perfect for industries that need high-strength parts such as aerospace, automotive, medical, dental, oil and gas industries.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Build Size | 15" x 10" x 10" (400 x 250 x 250 mm) |
| Standard Lead Time | 10 business days |
| General Tolerances | Depending on the part’s size and geometry, parts may shrink 0.8%–2.5% during cooling |
| Layer Height | .004” (0.1 mm) |
| Surface Roughness | 30 to 200 µin Ra, depending on build orientation, finish, and material used for the build |
| Infill | 90-97% |
This table depicts the general tolerances for metal binder jetting 3D printing. Learn more about our manufacturing standards.
Metal binder jetting is an additive metal printing technology that builds metal parts from a CAD file in a multi-step process. Binder jet machines first fuse layers of metal powder together with a binding agent. One the part is bound, the resulting shape is called a green part and is left to cure. The cured form is then put into a furnace to sinter or be infiltrated with bronze.
Since binder jet parts are supported by unused powder on all sides of the part, this eliminates or minimizes the need for post-processing. Note that since most binder jet parts must undergo a furnace stage, parts may be prone to shrinkage, are slightly porous, and fine features may not survive. Engineers should design binder jet parts with design-for-manufacturing principles in mind.
| Material Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 3D Printed 420 Stainless Steel infiltrated with Bronze | A matrix metal composite material composed of 60% stainless steel and 40% bronze infiltrant. This material offers good mechanical properties and offers excellent wear resistance. |
| 3D Printed 316L Stainless Steel Infiltrated with Bronze | A matrix metal composite material composed of 60% stainless steel and 40% bronze infiltrant. The lower yield strength of the material enables it to be easily machined and polished. This material also exhibits enhanced corrosion resistance properties compared to 420 stainless steel. |
Additional materials are available upon request. Review more information about our materials here.
Polished (Standard): After the furnace cycle, wicks are removed and the parts are media tumbled to a semi-gloss polish. Part color is bright bronze with darker grey striations from the steel. Small pits in the material surface will be visible. Features inaccessible to media may remain matte. Parts are coated with a sealant before shipping.
Matte: After the furnace cycle, parts are bead blasted for an even, matte finish. Part color is a subdued bronze-gray.
| Feature | Design Guide |
|---|---|
| Unsupported walls | 1.0 mm (0.04'') |
| Supported walls | 1.0 mm (0.04'') |
| Minimum feature size | 1.0 mm (0.04'') |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.0 mm (0.04'') |
| Minimum escape hole diameter | 4.0 mm (0.157'') |
| Minimum font size | Arial 26 or greater |
To see more design-for-manufacturing recommendations, view our Binder Jetting Design Guide.
Because binder jet metal parts are strong and affordable, they are widely used for rapid tooling, fixtures, and jigs.
Binder jet metal 3D printing is affordable and fast, and therefore is often used to make rapid to fully functional prototypes.
Highly dense and durable metals make binder jet printing a fantastic choice for end-use products.
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