GE Additive reveals its first binder jet Additive Manufacturing machine

December 15, 2017

GE Additive reveals its first binder jet Additive Manufacturing machine

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.”

www.ge.com/additive

2022 Winter Metal AM

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • What happens when you take the powder out of AM? Charting the rise of wire-based DED with WAAM3D
  • Smart sensor-integrated parts by AM: A look at a novel possibility with industrial applications
  • Tailored materials for AM: How a 'powder kit' can achieve greater material diversity with fewer resources in PBF-LB
  • QuesTek's ICMD: Faster, cheaper, and better alloy development for Additive Manufacturing
  • NanoAL: Alloy development on an open parameter PBF-LB machine, from installation through to Rapid Alloy Screening
  • Using the Six Sigma method to optimise metal powder spreading in PBF-LB
  • Insights from R&D to part production: How CT analysis can advance metal Binder Jetting
  • Corrosion and wear resistence of materials processed by beam-based AM technologies

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

News from the industry…

    News from the industry…

    Discover our magazine archive…

    The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

    • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
    • Articles on technology and application trends
    • Information on materials developments
    • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
    • International industry news

    All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

    Browse the archive

    Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

    Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

    • AM machines
    • Process monitoring & calibration
    • Heat treatment & sintering
    • HIP systems & services
    • Pre- & post-processing technology
    • Powders, powder production and analysis
    • Part manufacturers
    • Consulting, training & market data
    Download PDF
    Share via
    Copy link
    Powered by Social Snap