GE Additive reveals its first binder jet Additive Manufacturing machine
December 15, 2017
The first prototype of GE Additive’s binder jet AM system (Image Credit: Sarah Goehrke / 3DPrint.com)
GE Additive has released the first image of a prototype its first binder jet metal Additive Manufacturing machine, reports 3DPrint.com. According to the company, the machine aims to challenge the need for castings. Further iterations will be made in early 2018, with the first production machines expected to ship in mid-2018.
“We consume so much casting inside GE,” stated Mohammad Ehteshami, Vice President and General Manager of GE Additive. “Billions and billions of dollars — and we can disrupt this, not only for ourselves, but for everyone else. We will use this and we will sell this. We were looking to modalities; we have Concept Laser for laser modality, we have Arcam for EBM modality, and today, we introduce the binder jet modality.”
The new binder jet machine is said to be able to print large parts with a range of materials, including stainless steel, nickel and iron alloys is set to disrupt traditional manufacturing techniques. Because binder jet AM removes the need for casting, it also eliminates further expenses such as tooling and moulds.
According to 3DPrint.com’s report, this first machine is faster than any binder jet machine on the market today. “This one prints about forty cubic inches in an hour,” stated Ehteshami. “I can see it going up to 600 to 700 cubic inches in an hour.”
Ehteshami added that the GE sees the automotive industry as a key market for binder jet AM. “We believe this binder jet modality is very suitable for the automotive industry,” he stated. “Automotive is all about speed, and cost. Especially with steel and aluminium, Additive Manufacturing can compete with casting, where you don’t need months and years to develop tooling.”
“We are committed to accelerating the Additive Manufacturing industry and will continue to build on our strength in the laser and EBM modalities by developing and bringing new technologies to market. We have a progressive approach to innovation and product development,” he concluded. “I challenged the team to develop this new machine in fifty-five days. They came in ahead of time, with the process of concept to first print taking only forty-seven days.”
