Binder-jetting 3D printer capable of voxel-based control over deposited ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing

The limited control over the printing process in commercial powder bed 3D printers hinders the exploration of novel materials and applications. In this study, a custom binder-jetting 3D printer was developed. The resulting fine-grained control over the printing process enables features such as voxel-based control over the printed ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing. A protocol was developed to optimize the 3D printing process for new build materials and binders, in which resolution tests were used as a guideline for improving the dimensional accuracy. As a demonstration of the voxel-based control over the printing process, a functionally graded object was printed.

Automated summary

The limited control over the printing process in commercial powder bed 3D printers hampers the exploration of novel materials and applications. A custom binder-jetting 3D printer was developed in this study to enable fine-grained control over the printing process. An optimized protocol was developed for new build materials and binders, with resolution tests used as a guideline for improving dimensional accuracy. The demonstration of printing a functionally graded object showcased the voxel-based control over the printing process.