Semiconductor manufacturers increasingly rely on components that can withstand extreme plasma environments while delivering tighter process control and near-zero contamination. To meet these demands, Bosch Advanced Ceramics and Lithoz have transformed a previously two-part injector design into a fully integrated single ceramic component using ceramic Additive Manufacturing. By pairing high-purity alumina with precision AM technology, complex internal geometries could be unlocked, enhancing reliability and performance for advanced wafer production.
... Read more »
Blesol Tech is emerging as a notable European supplier of metal and ceramic feedstocks for Metal Injection Moulding, Ceramic Injection Moulding, and sinter-based Additive Manufacturing. Based in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, and led by Dr Gemma Herranz and Dr Cristina Berges, the company brings together academic expertise and industrial-scale production. As this article outlines, its close collaboration with MIM and CIM producers offers clear insight into shifting market requirements, informing the development of tailored materials and adaptable feedstock solutions.
... Read more »
Binder Jetting’s accelerating progress toward industrial production set the tone at Fraunhofer IFAM’s 6th Workshop on Sinter-based Additive Manufacturing, held on October 8-9, 2025, in Bremen, Germany. Alongside Binder Jetting, the programme highlighted advances across the wider family of sinter-based AM processes, with industry and research speakers presenting new applications, cleaner and more stable workflows, and expanding material options. This report, by Fraunhofer IFAM’s Lea Reineke and Michael Norda, reviews the event’s key findings.
... Read more »
Element 22 GmbH has built its reputation on developing efficient ways to manufacture complex titanium components for demanding applications in medicine, aerospace, luxury goods and emerging hydrogen technologies. By leveraging Metal Injection Moulding, sinter-based Additive Manufacturing and carefully controlled finishing processes, the company demonstrates how titanium parts can be produced reliably and at scale. Dr Georg Schlieper recently visited the company for PIM International to explore its processes and ongoing developments.
... Read more »
The 21st Plansee Seminar, held in June 2025, provided deep insight into the evolving landscape of sinter-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) for cemented carbides and tungsten heavy alloys. Presentations explored Binder Jetting, Material Extrusion, Direct Ink Writing, and other emerging techniques, with a focus on microstructural control, process–property relationships, and feedstock optimisation. While Binder Jetting remains influential, alternative approaches are gaining traction for finer powders and complex geometries. This article, authored by Bernard North, examines the key technical findings and perspectives shared at the event.
... Read more »
Recent advances in water-debindable feedstocks are redefining what is possible in Ceramic Injection Moulding (CIM). By combining hydrophilic backbone chemistries with optimised surfactants and plasticisers, these formulations enable faster, safer debinding without compromising performance. This article presents comparative data demonstrating improved flow, reduced thermal load, and successful processing of parts beyond 10 mm wall thickness. Drawing on developments at KRAHN Ceramics GmbH, Dr Thorsten Ohlerth examines kinetics, moulding behaviour, and sintering outcomes that signal a shift towards more sustainable CIM production.
... Read more »
There is a beauty in ceramics that has captivated us for thousands of years. Today, Additive Manufacturing (AM) is giving this material class renewed appeal by enabling the creation of forms previously impossible to produce, while preserving the mechanical, aesthetic and tactile qualities that make ceramics so valued. A new award-winning Hi-Fi turntable cartridge – developed by HiFiction AG and Steinbach AG using Lithoz GmbH’s AM technology – showcases not only design innovation but also how AM eliminates tooling barriers, making advanced technical ceramics more accessible to smaller businesses.
... Read more »
The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) announced the winners of the 2025 Powder Metallurgy Design Excellence Awards at PowderMet2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. This article focuses on award-winning components produced by Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) and sinter-based Additive Manufacturing. The awards recognise advances in efficiency, performance and reliability across industries. Collectively, the winning parts highlight MIM’s growing role in advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how the process combines precision, scalability and design freedom for demanding applications.
... Read more »
Binder Jetting has long been heralded as the Additive Manufacturing process most likely to deliver true mass production. Its promise of speed, scalability and lower costs has kept it in focus, but familiar challenges remain: fragile green parts, difficult depowdering, sintering distortion and a narrow materials palette. Atomik believes the answer lies in rethinking the binder itself. Far from being an inert glue, it may be the key to unlocking Binder Jetting’s future, argues the company’s Prof Kate Black.
... Read more »
This study compares 17-4 PH stainless steel spur gears produced by Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) and Binder Jetting (BJT), focusing on dimensional accuracy, microstructure, and mechanical performance. As BJT gains traction in China’s manufacturing sector, the authors – Jie Li, Jimin Xu, and Guangfeng Zhong (Vigor Precision Hardware, Dongguan), alongside Yuder Chao and Yauhung Chiou (You Need Enterprise Consulting, Kunshan) – investigate whether BJT can match the precision and reliability of established MIM processes. The results show that while BJT is effective for early–stage prototyping, MIM offers superior consistency for high–precision components.
... Read more »
Join our community