Binder-jetting 3D printer capable of voxel-based control over deposited ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing

Abstract

The limited control over the printing process in commercial powder bed 3D printers hinders the exploration of novel materials and applications. In this study, a custom binder-jetting 3D printer was developed. The resulting fine-grained control over the printing process enables features such as voxel-based control over the printed ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing. A protocol was developed to optimize the 3D printing process for new build materials and binders, in which resolution tests were used as a guideline for improving the dimensional accuracy. As a demonstration of the voxel-based control over the printing process, a functionally graded object was printed.