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We are happy to advise you. Please contact our team for further information. info@am-pioneers.com
Why use Metal Binder Jetting instead of Metal Injection Molding (MIM)?
Shortening time-to-market
The decisive advantage of flexiblemim over the classic MIM process is the fast and uncomplicated production of a MIM component. While the production of a series tool can take 5 to 6 months, metal 3D printing enables the production of an iteratively optimized component within 2 to 3 weeks.
Production according to MIM standard
As binder jetting follows the MIM process, the materials also comply with the MIM material standards (MPIF). Delivering component properties equivalent to classic MIM.
No tool costs
The MIM process incurs high fixed costs for tool production and machine set-up. These are eliminated with the metal binder jetting process, which enables cost-effective production for quantities of 1 to 10,000 parts.
Geometrically complex metal parts
The elimination of support structures in binder jetting gives you the highest degree of flexibility in the design of geometrically complex parts that are difficult or impossible to produce using MIM technology.
How does metal binder jetting work?
The binder jetting process is one of the sinter-based 3D printing technologies and as such is comparable to the classic MIM process in terms of the process sequence - printing, depowdering and sintering - as well as the achievable component properties.
Step 1 – Print
The binder jetting process describes the layer-by-layer application of metal powder. A binder is then applied via several thousand nozzles according to the component cross-section in order to bind the loose powder. This process is repeated until the build volume is filled with the metal parts and loose powder.
Step 2 – De-powdering
Once the printing process is complete and the binder has hardened, the components are transported to a powder station in a construction kit, where the loose powder is removed. An integrated powder recycling system recovers 98% of the loose powder.
Step 3 – Sintering
After depowdering, the metal parts are sintered in a furnace at temperatures of up to 1400°C. At temperatures of around 400°C, the binder escapes from the component and the molecular chains fuse together, resulting in the desired mechanical properties. The finished metal part is comparable to a cast part with a density of 98%.
Who should consider
Metal Binder Jetting?
Electronics
Complex housing parts or brackets for sensors. Other applications in electronics include the manufacture of filters with latent structures.
Jewelry
Production of complex motifs and connected chains made of stainless steel. High-quality end customer parts can be produced using qualified finishing processes such as electropolishing and electroplating.
Medicine
Production of surgical tools for minimally invasive procedures in the field of electromedicine, such as forceps jaws. Geometries can be flexibly designed according to the doctor's requirements.
Defense
Production of prototypes and pre-series applications for long and short firearms such as the hammer, cartridge extractor and fire selector lever.
Qualified Materials
MIM 316L - 1.4404 - Stainless steel
This completely authentic and non-magnetic steel is ideal for demanding environments. It is characterized by its corrosion resistance, high ductility and temperature resistance.
- Data sheet
- MIM 316L stainless steel data sheet
17-4ph - 1.4548 - Stainless steel
The steel is used in a variety of industrial applications, including those with mildly corrosive environments and high strength requirements.
- Data sheet
- Data sheet for the 17-4PH stainless steel
Further materials on request
▪ 304L stainless steel
▪ CoCrMo
▪ Nickel alloy IN718
▪ Nickel alloy IN625
▪ H13 tool steel
▪ M2 tool steel
▪ Titanium (Ti64)
Our
Certifications
DIN ISO 9001
We are DIN ISO 9001 certified. The international standard specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS) that covers the documentation and monitoring of all our processes in the provision of products or services. This ensures that the requirements of our customers are met and that continuous improvement takes place in our company. Certification to DIN ISO 9001 is carried out by independent certification bodies and certifies that the company has successfully implemented a QMS and continuously maintains and improves it.
TISAX
The TISAX certification ("Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange") is a standard audit procedure for information security. The certification follows a comprehensive audit by an accredited auditing company and ensures that appropriate security measures are implemented and that our customers' personal data and confidential information are protected.Would you like to request a component or do you have questions about the technology? Arrange a consultation now!
