voxeljet presents “groundbreaking” new 3D printing technology at GIFA 2023
Voxeljet AG has presented what it has claimed is a ‘groundbreaking’ innovation at the GIFA 2023 Its new cold IOB 3D printing (Inorganic Binding). According to the company, this process can produce moulds and cores from sand using an inorganic binder without the need of microwave treatment.
voxeljet presented at the show not only the new process, but also work from the joint project it has with Loramendi to industrialise core printing for BMW. The ICP project involves a fully automated, manufacturing cell in operation at BMW’s light metal foundry in Landshut. In this manufacturing cell the casting cores are printed using inorganic binder and then cured with a microwave.
Voxeljet claims that the new cold IOB 3D-printing technology is characterized by lower operating and investment costs. The company says that IOB technologies offer multiple advantages to the foundry industry. For instance, during casting only water vapour instead of harmful gasses is produced. Voxeljet states that the technology improves foundry working conditions and reduces emissions.
“The introduction of cold IOB technology is an important step towards further adoption of printed cores and moulds with inorganic binders in the foundry industry, said Dr. Ingo Ederer, CEO at voxeljet. “Our goal is to provide innovative solutions that not only increase efficiency, but also help promote the sustainability of metal casting.”
Unlike warm IOB processes, which require 3D printed cores to be cured and dried using a microwave, cores printed with voxeljet’s cold IOB technology only require drying after printing according to the company, all of which takes place outside of the machine. The company claims that the cold IOB process can be used with most voxeljet 3D printers. It is currently being tested on the VX1000, VX1000S, and VX2000, but an expansion to the VX2000 is planned.
According to voxeljet the use of an inorganic binder is becoming more popular in the foundry sector, especially in the automotive industry. According to the company, it expects that demand for inorganic bonded moulds and cores will continue to increase in response with increasing environmental regulations.
Early 2023 Tooling & Equipment International (TEI), one of the largest users of 3D sand printing in the United States, purchased its third VX4000 3D printer from voxeljet to use in 3D printing of cast cores for the all-electric Cadillac CELESTIQ.