Experimental evaluation of binder infiltration depth and axial overlap to control properties of green parts produced by Binder Jetting

Binder Jetting is a 3D printing process that consists of selectively depositing picoliter-sized droplets of binder on each layer to create a 2D pattern of the part. Controlling the distribution of the binder appears to be critical to improving the bonding of successive layers and limiting binder overflow. In this study, the exact penetration depth of the binder into the powder bed is measured and the amount of vertical overlap between layers is evaluated. The influence of printing parameters such as droplet spacing, layer thickness and drying conditions is investigated. A process mapping is proposed to better select printing parameters and improve green part quality.