Volkswagen is to deploy and help further develop a new 3D printing process from HP called Metal Jet. This process enables a production speed up to 50 times higher than with existing 3D printing techniques for metal. The first Metal Jet 3D printers for industrial use are expected to be available from 2020.
"Automotive manufacturing faces major challenges: our customers expect more and more personalisation options. At the same time, complexity is increasing due to the number of new models. This is therefore the reason why we deploy state-of-the-art technologies to ensure smooth and fast production. 3D printing in particular plays an important role in producing individual parts," said Dr Martin Goede, head of Technology Planning and Development at Volkswagen.
Binder jetting
Metal Jet is a printing process developed by printer manufacturer HP in collaboration with GKN Powder Metallurgy, a company that develops raw materials for 3D printers. It involves binder jetting technology, a form of 3D printing in which a powdered raw material is bonded together using a binder to create an object layer by layer. Using Metal Jet, it is possible to print objects of up to 430 by 320 by 200 mm with a resolution of 1,200 by 1,200 voxels. After printing, however, the object still needs to be sintered.
Existing printing technologies are only suitable for the production of individual parts or prototypes, Volkswagen reports. Metal Jet technology enables 3D printing of a large number of parts without having to design and produce special tools. This not only makes parts printing cheaper, but also allows more parts to be printed. In addition, according to Volkswagen, Metal Jet makes 3D printing suitable for the first time to produce large quantities of parts in a short time. HP states that Metal Jet provides up to 50 times higher productivity than existing 3D printing processes.
'Important step into the future'
"The new Metal Jet platform is an important step into the future is for us as a car manufacturer, but also for the entire industry. We look forward to helping shape this development and create further future added value for our customers," said Dr Goede.
By deploying Metal Jet, Volkswagen wants to be able to print parts more flexibly, among other things, making it easier to customise products. The car manufacturer will help HP and GKN further develop the printing process, initially focusing on printing objects in small series. Eventually, the technology should also be suitable for printing customised parts, such as personalised lettering, customised gear pins or keys with personalised text.
Available from 2020
Printers using the Metal Jet process are not yet available. HP expects to deliver the first Metal Jet printers to the first customers from the second half of 2020, after which the printers will become generally available in 2021. In addition, the 3D Metals printing service will eventually allow companies to have parts printed using the Metal Jet process by HP's partners GKN Powder Metallurgy and Parmatech.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: HP
Source: Volkswagen (pictured)
