EuroMold 2014: voxeljet debuts phenolic resin binder

voxeljet's research laboratory is introducing the new Phenolic-Direct-Binding (PDB) method at the EuroMold 2014.  

Designed for 3D printing applications, the new binder delivers key advantages for sand printing and allows the production of ceramic molds. The PDB method features an impressive accuracy and increased strength, making it ideal for complex molds with undercuts, elaborate details, and very small radii.  

The PDB process uses nontoxic phenolic resin that allows for 100% recycling of nonprinted particle material. It does not require pretreatment of silica sand unlike conventional binders. This means the silica sand can be easily returned to the sand cycle.  

Further, the method allows for unlimited use of untreated silica sands with different pH values and ceramic materials.  

voxeljet, which has been undertaking extensive work on phenolic resin binders for some time, expects to offer the new material-set for various printer platforms by the middle of 2015. The company will continue to work on implementing and optimizing the process for relevant printer platforms.  

With temperature management playing a crucial role in component quality in PDB, the company will calculate the optimum parameters for all voxeljet printers to ensure they reach the best possible quality using a very reliable process, said R&D head Dr. Daniel Günther. Interested parties may, however, obtain advance information about the performance of the new binder method based on standardized benchmark parts.  

According to process engineer Dr. Florian M?gele, the new binder offers a number of advantages for many 3D printing applications such as an incredible level of resolution and precision. Besides achieving improvements in stability and sand recycling, phenolic resin binders are ideal for processing ceramic and other materials, added M?gele.