Binder Jetting
Binder Jetting is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology that creates artifacts through the inkjet pritting of binder into a powder bed of raw material. At each layer the deposited binder droplets bond raw material particulates and form a cross-sectional 2D image composed of powder-binder granules. Once a layer has been printed, the powder feed piston raises, the build piston lowers, and a counter-rotating roller spreads a new layer of powder on top of the previous layer. The subsequent layer is then printed and is stitched to the previous layer by the jetted binder.
The DREAMS Lab was among the first to explore binder jetting of copper. Our studies examined how powder size distribution and bimodal mixtures affect packing density and final sintered properties, providing insight into parameter-material interactions. Other projects include 'shell-printing' approaches to look at varying binder deposition quantities and patterns. These findings help guide the development of higher-density, higher-performance parts in metal Binder Jetting, expanding its applicability in structural applications.