Voxeljet AG has introduced what it has claimed is a ‘groundbreaking’ innovation on the GIFA 2023 commerce present, its new chilly IOB (Inorganic Binding) 3D printing know-how. With this course of, moulds and cores for the foundry business may be produced from sand with an inorganic binder with out the necessity for microwave therapy based on the corporate.
Along with the presentation of the brand new course of on the present, voxeljet additionally introduced work from its joint mission with Loramendi for BMW on the industrialisation of core printing (ICP). The ICP mission includes a totally automated, manufacturing cell in operation at BMW’s mild steel foundry in Landshut. Inside this manufacturing cell, casting cores are printed with inorganic binders after which cured utilizing a microwave.
The brand new chilly IOB 3D printing know-how doesn’t require a microwave curing, and so it’s characterised by decrease funding and working prices based on voxeljet. The corporate claims that the usage of IOB applied sciences opens up a number of benefits for the foundry business, for instance solely water vapour is produced throughout casting as a substitute of dangerous gases. voxeljet says this cut back emissions in addition to bettering working situations in foundries.
“The introduction of chilly IOB know-how is a vital step in the direction of additional adoption of printed cores and moulds with inorganic binders within the foundry business, stated Dr. Ingo Ederer, CEO at voxeljet. “Our objective is to supply revolutionary options that not solely enhance effectivity, but in addition assist promote the sustainability of steel casting.”
Not like heat IOB processes, which require 3D printed cores to be cured and dried utilizing a microwave, cores printed with voxeljet’s chilly IOB know-how solely require drying after printing based on the corporate, all of which takes place outdoors of the machine. The corporate says the method will be capable of be used on most voxeljet platforms, and is at present being examined and supplied on the VX1000 and VX1000S 3D printers, with an enlargement of the providing deliberate for the VX2000.
Based on voxeljet, the usage of inorganic binder within the foundry business, notably within the automotive sector, is gaining recognition. The corporate says it expects demand for inorganic-bonded moulds and cores to rise repeatedly in mild of accelerating environmental laws.
In early 2023, Tooling & Gear Worldwide (TEI), one of many largest customers of 3D sand printing in the USA, bought its third VX4000 3D printer from voxeljet to make use of in 3D printing of solid cores for the all-electric Cadillac CELESTIQ.
