3D Binder and Polymer Printing (3DP)

Question 1

What are the binder requirements for polymer printing?

Answer 1

• Binder solution must have a high enough content of binder but still be low enough viscosity for it to be inkjet printed
• binder must dy or cure rapidly so that the next layer of powder can be applied

Question 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 3D binder printing

Answer 2

Adv:

1. high deposition speeds
2. Relatively low cost
3. Self-supporting so no need for support material
4. Multiple parts built at once
5. Material compositions that are not possible with other AM techniques

Disadvantage:

1. Binder printing processes tend to have poorer accuracies and surface finishes than parts made with direct printing
2. Infiltration steps are needed to fabricate dense parts or to ensure good mechanical properties (need to remove the powder so closed solid casing issues)

Question 3

What are some applications of 3D binder printing?

Answer 3

• aerospace
• automotive
• Architecture
• Medical
• Footwear (show souls)