Tethon 3D, a Nebraska-based 3D printing materials manufacturer, has expanded its range of proprietary ceramic powders with the Tethonite high alumina powder.
This ceramic powder, designed for use in binder jetting additive manufacturing systems, claims an increased resistance to corrosion, wear, and thermal stress.
“Ceramic powder material development continues to be an area of focus for us,” said CEO Karen Linder, CEO of Tehon 3D. “We have over a decade of R&D experience and expertise with ceramic powders in binder jetting additive manufacturing applications.”
Tethonite advances unique technical applications
Commencing commercial operations in 2014, Tethon 3D initially released the Tethonite stoneware powder, for use in powder/binder jet 3D printers. Following this, Tethon 3D broadened the Tethonite range with three other formulations: earthenware (terracotta), porcelain and now, high alumina.
Composed of over 96% of alumina, a white or nearly colourless crystalline substance, the Tethonite high alumina powder can be used by for unique technical industrial applications, such as oil and gas processing and high voltage bushings – an insulated device used to conduct electricity through grounded barriers.
Additionally, with a heat sintering tolerance of up to 2000°C (3632°F), Tethonite high alumina powder is suitable for use within specialty crucibles, a ceramic or metal container where metals are melted under high temperatures.
Furthermore, from temperatures of 1300°C (2372°F), alongside the Tethon 3D liquid binder, necessary for joining powder particles within the binder jetting 3D printing process, a porous high alumina object can be formed.
Kiln post-processing & a new resin for metal casting
After the binder jetting 3D printing process, Tethonite high alumina powder printed objects must be sintered in a kiln to be converted into a ceramic form, a process known as vitrification.
As a result, the 3D printed objects are completely ceramic and display physical properties of each of the respective ceramic materials, such as a high-density.
In a previous interview with 3D Printing Industry, Dr. Tobias Schaedler of HRL Laboratories, detailed the innovative processes of using pre-ceramic resins, within SLS and kiln processing to produce complex, high-density 3D objects.
Following this, Tethon 3D launched its new Castalite Investment Casting resin for SLA and DLP 3D printing. This resin also maintains high heat and thermal shock tolerances, which opens up applications such as metal casting for bronze, gold, silver, and aluminum.
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Featured image shows a 3D printed brick using Tethonite materials. Photo via Tethon.
