Technology Overview

The invention relates to the field of 3D printing of cobalt-chrome products using binder jet method. The invention particularly relates to a cobalt-chrome (CoCr) powder granulation process and binder solution preparation. A proprietary granulation process has been developed to improve the powder flow. In addition, a unique binder solution has been formulated to bind CoCr powder during the 3D printing process. After printing, the green compact printed part can be completely sintered into its full density.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

This technology consists of the following :

• A proprietary powder granulation process is used to prepare the cobalt-chrome to be used for the printing.
• A proprietary binder solution prepared and mixed with the cobalt-chrome powder,
• Binder jet 3D printer (BJ3DP) is used to 3D print the product with a solution of binder and cobalt-chrome granules, and
• The printed product then undergoes a sintering process in a sintering furnace to produce the final cobalt-chrome metal product.

Potential Applications

Cobalt-Chrome Alloys market size is expected to grow with a CAGR of 1.1%, from 2021 (USD 15 million) to 2025.

This tech offer provides a low cost solution to replace conventional casting technology and has capability to manufacture products in complex shapes such as

• Dental implants
• Medical applications
• Gas turbine application

Customer Benefit

• Low-cost 3D printing solution for cobalt-chrome products.
  • The equipment cost for the Binder Jet Printer (BJP) is about a tenth of that of the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) printer
  • The 3D printer process simpler that the investment casting, hence lower production cost
• The final product using this process is comparable to the result achieved using traditional methods
  • The Vickers hardness of the BJP printed product is better than of product made with investment casting and SLM