Metal Binder Jetting - MBJ

The NF EN ISO/ASTM 52900 standard defines additive manufacturing as the set of processes involving the assembly of materials to produce parts based on 3D model data, typically layer by layer, in contrast to subtractive manufacturing methods.

Metal additive manufacturing processes can be divided into two main categories based on how the printed part is consolidated:

• direct processes: a shaping step (e.g., powder bed fusion –, PBF; directed energy deposition –, DED). These technologies generally have reached a level of maturity that allows for a comprehensive understanding of the value chain;

• Indirect processes: involve multiple production steps; typically shaping followed by consolidation (e.g., 3D sand printing + casting, Metal Binder Jetting/Metal Stereolithography/Filled Wire Deposition/Material Jetting + sintering). Technologies based on “metal + binder” mixtures are still considered to be under development. Metal Binder Jetting, the most mature indirect process, offers significant potential gains in quality and productivity compared to its predecessors.

Advances in additive manufacturing processes naturally lead to the emergence of new manufacturing solutions. These solutions help overcome technological barriers, such as increasing productivity, improving surface finish quality, and reducing geometric manufacturing constraints—particularly those related to manufacturing angle limits for processes based on material melting. New additive manufacturing technologies based on sintering offer the advantage of enabling the use of new materials (materials susceptible to hot cracking, metallic materials reinforced with ceramic particles, etc.).

This article focuses on metal binder jetting (MBJ – ) technology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the value chain—from powder to post-processing, including design and manufacturing—required to ensure a high level of quality.