(This post was last modified: 05-04-2021, 12:26 AM by Blackland Razors.)
(05-03-2021, 11:40 PM)BBS Wrote:(05-03-2021, 10:54 PM)Blackland Razors Wrote:(05-03-2021, 10:43 PM)BBS Wrote: Exactly what 3D metal printing process are you using? Is it SLM or FDM using the newer PLA plastics infused with metal powder and binders that can be later sintered to burn out the PLA and binder leaving you a solid metal piece to be machined to final tolerances afterwards?
None of the above. Read back through this thread a few pages or, better yet, listen to my spot on the Lather Talk podcast where I go over it in detail. It's a novel process created by 3DEO that enables large-scale production through a hybrid process.
I just read the website and patents, what I see is they've come up with a process and machine to do high volume metal binder jetting printing combined with a CNC finishing process in one package. There really isn't anything new as far as the processes goes what is innovative is they've combined them with the CAD design into one machine. That efficiency should make them the most cost effective method at the moment.
That's not quite correct, if I understand your explanation fully. Metal binder jetting applies the binding agent strategically to a layer to create the green parts. In our case, the binding agent is applied evenly and indiscriminately to the entire layer. Then CNC end mills which are internal to the printer itself mill an outline of the part at that layer. Rinse and repeat by layer. If needed, as for our base plates, there is post-processes milling after sintering to ensure perfect geometry on shave-critcal surfaces. The top caps receive no CNC. Again, you sound interested in the tech so I really welcome you to read back a bit and listen to the podcast. I promise you I cover this in deep detail.