Comparison of Different Binder-Jetting Printers for Additive Manufacturing of Hardmetals

Binder-jetting (BJT), a sinter and powder-based additive manufacturing technology, is becoming more and more established on the market due to its high productivity and the wide variety of materials it can process. The production of WC-Co based hardmetals is being promoted by well-known hardmetal and powder manufacturers using the BJT technology. Within this study, five different binder jetting printers from four different manufacturers were tested and compared for their suitability to produce hardmetals. In addition to hardmetal properties, printing performance and green part handling are compared and the investigated differences discussed. The study shows, that all tested BJT printers show the principle feasibility of producing hardmetal green parts which can after sintering yield dense samples.