Page 8 - 3DMP Spring 2022

3D Industry News
Metal Binder Jetting Nets Positive Results for French Aerospace Supplier
JPB Système, a France- based manufacturer of com- ponents and systems for aerospace and other indus- tries, reports positive results from its continuing research of metal binder jetting (MBJ) AM technology. The
company, which has been trialing industrial MBJ for several months as part of its ongoing objective to ensure greater effi- ciency and agility across its production operations, reports reduction of overall lead times by 80 percent and weight sav- ings of 30 percent in some trials.
Overall, trial results to potentially produce flight-ready parts are meeting expectations by delivering robust lighter-weight alternatives quicker, easier and more cost effectively than tradi- tional manufacturing methods such as machining and casting, according to company officials. Leveraging this AM technology, the company reports being able to create highly complex prod- ucts with new geometries, further streamlining production effi- ciencies by removing the need for assembly.
“Such production efficiencies are evidenced if we compare the technology to the typical method of producing parts via casting in a foundry,” says Jocelyn Vecchio, director of engi-
neering and innovation at JPB Système. “As well as having limi- tations insofar as the geometries achievable, this involves expensive tooling that can entail long lead times of around six months—even longer if geometries change and a new mold is required. In contrast, using MBJ AM, we could produce the same part in about four weeks. The flexibility of this technology also means that it doesn’t take any longer to produce 100 dif- ferent parts than it would 100 identical parts.”
Another vital attribute for JPB Système is the technology’s ability to create parts that are much lighter than metal alter- natives. Via solid yet hollow bodies and tough lattice struc- tures, test parts developed by JPB Système reportedly match the durability of traditional metal variants but use much less material.
“This is an important tick in the box for OEM customers and those farther up the supply chain who are constantly seeking to reduce the overall weight of the aircraft,” says JPB Système research engineer Benjamin Sangouard. “The sustainability fac- tor is further demonstrated by the on-demand manufacturing principle of AM that enables companies like us to produce what is needed, when it is needed, rather than traditional techniques that obligate long production runs just to ensure cost-effective- ness. This would give us greater flexibility and reduce the need to store large quantities of stock.”
Bodycote to Increase U.S. HIP Capacity
Thermal-processing-services provider Body- cote announced an increase in U.S. hot isostat- ic pressing (HIP) capacity at its Greenville, SC, facility. Two new HIP vessels are expected to go online at the Greenville plant in the first half of 2022, primarily to serve AM and advanced- materials applications.
Bodycote provides HIP services worldwide, with Bodycote Greenville operating as a Nad- cap-accredited site and holding several core OEM approvals. The site consists of numerous vacuum furnaces and other capabilities well-suit- ed to support AM customers throughout the southeast United States, according to Bodycote officials.
Bodycote reportedly operates the world’s largest network of HIP equipment, with more than 50 HIP vessels of varying sizes in multiple locations. Processing capability can accommo- date components measuring to 6.5 ft. dia. by 12 ft. high, and weighing in excess of 65,000 lb.
Spee3d Wins U.S. Defense Strategies Institute Award for Deployable AM
Spee3d was announced as the inaugural winner of the Defense Strate- gies Institute’s Award for Expeditionary & Tactical 3D Printing Excellence at the institute’s recently held 6th Military Additive Manufacturing Summit. The summit focused on advancements made in AM, as well as how the U.S. Dept. of Defense is working to quickly integrate AM technologies in order to supply durable, affordable equipment and parts to warfighters on the battlefield.
Since 2020, Spee3d and the Australian Army have conducted several field trials, taking the company’s WarpSpee3d tactical printer into rugged bush- land, where the Australian Army’s Additive Manufacturing
Cell technicians manufactured dozens of parts, proving the
capability to 3D print, replace, validate, certify and employ parts in the field. The large-format printer uses a patented cold-spray technology capable of printing metal parts weighing to 40 kg at speeds to 100 g/min.
“Spee3d is very proud and humbled to be recognized in the United States for our defense work,” says Steven Camil- leri, Spee3d chief executive officer. “We must acknowledge that the Australian Army’s dedication to pursuing new innovation with us has been the backbone of our success. Their commitment to this project helped develop the groundwork for a better sovereign manufacturing future
for defense forces worldwide.”
6 | 3D METAL PRINTING • SPRING 2022
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