Validation of Process Parameters for Binder Jetting of Gears (17-4PH)

Journal of the Japan Society of Powder and Powder Metallurgy, vol. 72, pp. S367–S374

Abstract

Binder Jetting (BJT) of gears is a multi-stage additive manufacturing (AM) process that generates part geometry by depositing a liquid binder in a powder bed layerwise. The BJT process produces green compacts of gears that are sintered by secondary heat treatment processes. The impact of various process parameters on the reproducible manufacturing of gears has not been systematically investigated. The selection of process parameters, such as printing speed and binder volume, is often an iterative process based on the knowledge of both the user and machine manufacturer. Previous studies have primarily focused on binder application phenomena and do not provide validation for the mentioned process parameters for gear manufacturing. This report presents a systematic method for validating the printing speed and binder quantity in terms of reliability, productivity, and economy for manufacturing BJT gears. The knowledge gained allows for the determination of optimal process parameters based on experimental data.

Authors 3

1. Emil-Elias Breuer Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) MTI – Manufacturing Technology Institute

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University

   MTI - Manufacturing Technology Institute RWTH Aachen University

2. Jens Brimmers Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University

3. Thomas Bergs Aachen Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT MTI – Manufacturing Technology Institute

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

   MTI - Manufacturing Technology Institute RWTH Aachen University