ExOne, the global leader in industrial binder jetting AM technology, has launched its new #MakeMetalGreen social media campaign drawing attention to the sustainability of its metal binder jet 3D printers. The campaign is also intended to educate manufacturers on the benefits of using metal binder jetting over alternative manufacturing technologies, additive or otherwise.
Sustainable binder jetting with ExOne
Binder jetting is a 3D printing method that involves depositing a liquid binder onto a bed of feedstock powder in layers until the desired 3D shape is fabricated. In recent months, ExOne has qualified an impressive portfolio of more than 20 metals, ceramics, and composite materials for use on its machines.
According to the U.S.-based company, binder jetting is capable of 3D printing lightweight metal parts with “little to no waste” at high throughput, a stark difference to traditional manufacturing methods. Multi-part assemblies can be combined into single large-volume prints without losing functionality and fuel-efficient components for cars, trucks, and airplanes can be fabricated with ease. Opting to utilize ExOne’s binder jetting consumes far less energy and can significantly shorten supply chains for manufacturers.
John Hartner, CEO of ExOne, stated: “Now is the time for manufacturers to rethink how they manufacture metal parts, and take a new look at how binder jet 3D printing can make metal parts and products more sustainably. One important aspect of sustainability is shortening supply chains. Our technology can consolidate several parts into one, eliminating extra manufacturing steps, and also reduce the need for parts to be shipped around the world for final assembly.
Hartner adds: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of de-risking supply chains and moving toward a decentralized supply chain, especially for critical parts. ExOne can work with manufacturers to ensure critical metal parts are prepared for 3D printing in an emergency and to help manufacturers redesign their parts for metal 3D printing in the first place.”
Donning the green cape
In line with the #MakeMetalGreen campaign, ExOne has fitted its two newest metal printers, the X1 25Pro and X1 160Pro, with green LED lighting to complement the charcoal metal frames and stainless steel beltlines. All future ExOne systems will follow suit with the design to encourage sustainable metal part production.
The sleek new designs are also featured in ExOne’s virtual reality factory experience which will be publicly unveiled at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago from Sept. 14-19. ExOne can be found at IMTS booth 433103, on Level 3 of the West Building, McCormick Place. VR headsets have now been made available for select companies that are interested in adopting binder jetting and would like to visualize a life-size model. The machine redesigns, along with the VR experience, were developed in conjunction with Bally Design, an industrial design specialist operating out of Pittsburgh.
ExOne’s arsenal of metal 3D printers
As it stands, there are a total of four metal 3D printers offered by ExOne. The Innovent+ is an entry-level system used for research, design, and small part production whereas the M-Flex is a large-format system compatible with a wide range of coarse-grain metal, ceramic, and composite powders. The X1 25Pro is a large-scale 3D printer capable of high-density part production with the full range of ExOne qualified materials, and the X1 160Pro is an extra-large 3D printer for high-density, high volume metal part production.
ExOne’s patented Triple ACT system is also featured in the Innovent+, the X1 25Pro, and the X1 160Pro. The exclusive technology enables the dispensing, spreading, and compacting of ultra-fine MIM powders to allow for repeatable high-density part production across all areas of the build chamber.
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Featured image shows the X1 160Pro and the X1 25Pro, featuring the new green sustainability look. Image via ExOne.
