Metal 3D Printing: A Cost-Effective Additive Manufacturing Process

摘要

Metal Additive (AM) technologies represent growing processes able to produce near-net shape threedimensionalparts from metal powder or wire. Based on a sliced digital file, AM technologies build partslayer by layer. It allows the production of complex parts, with unique design and a substantial economyin material with an optimised buy-to-fly ratio. The main processes already used are based on the meltingof the material. However, they present limitations as their relative low productivity and the presence ofmanufacturing supports requiring post machining operations. Alternative processes based on sintering,without melting of the material, are growing up. Among these technologies is found Metal Binder Jetting(MBJ). The following study will present and explain the potential of MBJ to produce cost effective partsand the main material characteristics obtained.