The ExOne Co., North Huntingdon, Pa., announces that it has entered into a collaboration with Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP) Corp., Towanda, Pa., to advance tungsten-based metal 3D printing using binder jetting. The collaboration is to focus on cemented carbide (WC-Co), used in cutting tools and wear-resistant parts; and tungsten-copper (W-Cu), used in high-voltage electrical applications. GTP uses the ExOne Innovent, an advanced and compact binder jet 3D printer, to manufacture parts in tungsten carbide and other tungsten composites.
Binder jetting is a 3D printing process in which a digital file causes a machine to inkjet a bonding agent into a bed of powder particles, creating a solid part one layer at a time. Compared to other 3D printing processes, binder jetting delivers precision parts at a high rate of speed, making it an ideal approach for serial production.
The new ExOne-GTP collaboration focuses on the development of two metal matrix composites: cemented carbide (WC-Co), a material with very high hardness and toughness that is widely used for the production of cutting tools and wear-resistant parts; and copper-tungsten (CuW), which is used in applications where high heat resistance, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion are needed.
GTP will now offer a 3D printing and sintering service for cemented carbide parts. This service can be utilized by customers who wish to explore the feasibility of their new designs. GTP uses an ExOne Innovent, an advanced binder jetting system that 3D prints metal, ceramic and composite powders in a compact build area. It offers an advanced form of binder jetting, developed over 20 years, which includes patent-pending methods of dispensing, spreading and compacting powders to deliver exceptional density and repeatability in final products.
https://www.globaltungsten.com
