HP's Metal Binder Jet technology first introduced to the metal jewelry and fashion accessories industries by the holding company Legor Group has permanently revolutionized the concept of 3D printing. Below we try to explain this technique with the 5 Ws of Metal Binder Jet.
What?
Metal Binder Jet 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing process that uses a binder (Binder) to join layers of metal powder to create complex three-dimensional metal objects. Ultra-fine metal powder (between 5μm and 25μm) is the starting point for using this technology. Soon it will also be possible to 3D print objects with Bronze and Silver powder.
When?
The project began about 5 years ago through a collaboration with HP, which translated to the operational level with the installation of the printers within the Legor 3D Metal Hub in early 2022.
Who&Where?
Dedicated to innovation for more than four decades, Legor Group launched 3D Metal Hub in 2022, a milestone in innovation. This hub is entirely focused on research and development as well as the implementation of Binder Jet 3D printing technology. A special focus is placed on experimentation with various metals, such as steel, bronze, silver, and most recently, platinum. The 3D Metal Hub embodies Legor's commitment to innovation, offering an advanced platform for additive manufacturing, experimentation in fashion and fashion accessories. The goal is to leverage the expertise gained over 45 years to explore new frontiers in industrial manufacturing, benefiting from the opportunities offered by 3D additive printing. This initiative underscores the vision of innovative and sustainable manufacturing, opening up new scenarios for the creation of distinctive products in the jewelry and fashion accessories sector.
Following this wave, in 2023, Legor launched the "Beyond Extraordinary" project, an initiative that represents a new philosophy of work, a way of thinking that goes beyond the ordinary, as the name suggests. Beyond Extraordinary is a systemic project that, thanks to the contamination of different skills - design for additive (PuntoZero), fashion accessory design (XYZ Bag), 3D production (Legor) and exclusive treatments and finishes (LEM Industry) - wants to show the real added value of this new technology that is expressed when rethinking the entire product development process, aware that downstream production technology allows the removal of constraints and limits of current production processes, giving free space to creativity.
Why?
3D printing with Binder Jet technology is an alternative method to classic investment casting that does not require the burning of waxes or resins, nor the use of plaster, for increasingly sustainable production processes. The goal is to introduce and promote an innovative production technology within the industry aimed at inviting the supply chain to think differently, "outside the box."
- No need for molds
- Speed of execution 2/3 working days
- Ability to print several objects in the same cycle in terms of shapes and sizes
- Objects are stackable in the printing phase
- No need for media when printing
- Powder is 99% reusable
- Density of the produced object of 99.8%
- Ability to make concatenated, hollow objects without soldering
- Customizable objects
