Additive Manufacturing with sinter-based technologies
A deep dive into the emerging AM technologies
Additive Manufacturing with sinter-based technologies
Starting out mainly as a prototyping technology Additive Manufacturing (AM) gained tremendous momentum for use in industrial applications over the last 5 years. For highly demanding functional parts, laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) became the most dominant AM technology. In the past two years, binder jetting technology (BJT) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) of metal components raised end user expectations to enable new applications by massively reducing cost. This claim has been fueled lately by large US companies such as HP, Desktop Metal and Markforged.
In this study, Ampower presents an objective and independent view on the current capabilities of sinter-based AM technologies compared with LB-PBF and metal injection molding (MIM). By analyzing over 50 specimens from 8 different system suppliers, Ampower is revealing the characteristics of the different technologies.
Cost potential through sinter-based Additive Manufacturing
The cost analysis confirms expectations of cost savings through use of sinter-based technologies. Today, cost reductions of over 40 % can be achieved in comparison to LB-PBF and are expected to increase up to 60 % within the next 2 years. However, prerequisite for those savings are a high packing density and large volume production. While metal FDM offers flexibility and low pricing for small quantities, BJT is targeting high production volumes leading to further cost savings.
In comparison to LB-PBF, analysis of material characteristics reveals lower performance of both sinter-based AM technologies when it comes to density and mechanical properties. For highly loaded metal applications, it is thus unlikely that end users will adapt either BJT or FDM technology in the near future.
Challenges of sinter-based technologies
The study closes with a deep dive into the design potentials and limitations. The greatest challenge of sinter-based AM technologies is the debindering and sintering process. To control these necessary process steps, a profound knowledge of sintering is required. Implementing sinter-based AM technologies will present new challenges to early adopters. Especially the investment in infrastructure and knowledge about the sintering processing should not be underestimated. For automotive and machine industry, binder jetting technology and metal fused deposition modeling offer great future potential. They will cover the gap between casting and LB-PBF regarding cost and productivity. When it comes to highly loaded applications, however, EB- & LB-PBF will remain the reference AM technologies for now.
