Binder jetting: 3D printing with powder and binder

How binder jetting works

The machine spreads a thin layer of powder, and a head like an inkjet printer's applies binder where the part is to be. The plate drops and the process repeats. The leftover powder holds the part in place, so no supports are needed. The method is also described as powder bed and inkjet head 3D printing. The raw part is fragile, so after printing it is baked, infiltrated or sintered to strengthen it.

What it is used for

• Sand moulds and cores for metal casting, where printing suits complex shapes.
• Metal parts in batches, where the raw part is then sintered in a furnace and shrinks.
• Full-colour models in gypsum, used for architectural models and souvenirs.

In short, the technology is fast and scales well, but parts need further processing and the surface is grainy.

What this means for your order

We do not print binder jetting. We print with FDM in PLA and PETG. If you need something else, write to jakub.novak@boostello.com. We do not promise a print in advance, but we can advise.

If you need a sand mould, a metal part or a full-colour gypsum model, look for a manufacturer with the specialist machine. We print from a spool of filament with FDM, handle colours with multicolour printing from a 3MF, and photograph every batch before dispatch.

How price and time differ

With binder jetting the price depends on how full the build chamber is, so it pays to pack in many parts at once. With FDM at our shop the price per part comes from the actual grams of material and print time, and you see it straight after uploading your model. For small batches we also factor in how many parts fit on one plate. That is why a simple plastic part can turn out cheaper than you would expect from an industrial technology.