ExOne and Rapidia, a Canadian-based technology company have launched a new two-step metal 3D printer.
The system incorporates ExOne’s Metal Designlab printer and Rapidia’s X1F furnace in a two-step 3D printing process which allows water-bound metal and ceramic parts to go directly from a printer into a furnace without a debinding step. According to ExOne, the printer uses Rapidia’s HydroFuse water-based paste containing metal or ceramic powders, and can currently print 17-4PH and 316L stainless steels. The paste replaces 98% of the binder with water, which evaporates while printing. This technology also removes the limitation on maximum part thickness, the companies say.
‘This technology is a true time-saving innovation that complements ExOne’s portfolio,’ said John Hartner, ExOne CEO. ‘Now, researchers, educators, and industrial designers will be able to bypass days of waiting and produce high-quality parts without the limitations faced by parts that require traditional debinding.’
This story uses material from ExOne, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
