New Binder Jetting service bureau purchases ExOne Innovent+
December 8, 2020
The ExOne Company, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA, reports that FreeFORM Technologies, St Marys, Pennsylvania, USA, an Additive Manufacturing contract manufacturer and engineering service bureau focused on metal Binder Jetting (BJT), has accepted delivery of its first AM machine, ExOne’s Innovent+.
Founded this year, FreeFORM Technologies was established by a team of engineers experienced in Metal Injection Moulding (MIM), Powder Metallurgy, engineering software, and automation. The company aims to promote the further adoption of BJT throughout the industry.
ExOne’s patented binder jet Additive Manufacturing process transforms powdered materials including metal, sand or ceramic into highly dense and functional precision parts at high speeds. Launched in 2016, the Innovent family range of AM machines has become the world’s best-selling and most-researched metal BJT machine, states the company.
The Innovent+ features ExOne’s patented Triple Advanced Compaction Technology (ACT), delivering industry-leading quality and repeatability, with final dimensional tolerances routinely below 1% with tuning.
FreeFORM intends to focus primarily on metal part production with stainless steels such as 17-4PH and 316L, as well as M2 Tool Steel. The company also plans to qualify materials internally and for customer-specific applications.
“ExOne is proud to partner with the innovative and experienced team at FreeFORM, who will help customers tap the incredible value offered by our high-speed Binder Jetting technology,” stated John Hartner, ExOne’s CEO. “This team demonstrates how Binder Jetting is a perfect complement to Metal Injection Moulding operations.”
Nate Higgins, FreeFORM president commented, “We believe metal Binder Jetting is a revolutionary technology that represents the next generation of metal production using metal powders. We’re excited to begin producing parts on our Innovent+ and to help customers tap the benefits of complex metal parts without the need for expensive tooling.”
“Binder Jetting can also affordably produce lower volumes of MIM-like parts and consolidated or lightweight parts that deliver more value. We’re committed to providing world-class engineering and manufacturing services around Binder Jetting,” he concluded.