ExOne to offer controlled atmosphere X1 160Pro for reactive metal powders in 2022

March 19, 2021

ExOne will offer a controlled-atmosphere model of its X1 160Pro extra-large production metal Binder Jetting machine in 2022 (Courtesy The ExOne Company)

The ExOne Company, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA, reports that it will offer a controlled atmosphere model of its X1 160Pro™ extra-large production metal Binder Jetting (BJT) Additive Manufacturing machine in the second half of 2022. The controlled atmosphere update will enable high-volume production of aluminium, titanium, copper, and several other materials using BJT.

The X1 160Pro features a build box of 800 x 500 x 400 mm (160 litres) and is the company’s tenth and largest production-ready metal BJT system to date. The company explains that a controlled atmosphere is essential for the Additive Manufacturing of reactive fine metal powders, but it also offers other benefits, such as reduction of powder oxidation and enhanced powder dispensing and spreading through control of humidity.

ExOne has successfully been Binder Jetting reactive powders in controlled atmospheres, also referred to as inert or chemically inactive, for some years. On December 1, 2020, ExOne was issued a patent on binder jet 3D printing in a controlled atmosphere.

The controlled-atmosphere X1 160Pro model can reportedly be used with nitrogen or argon and will be paired with accessories and ancillary equipment also equipped with inert atmosphere features. These include a curing oven, powder conditioning system, depowdering station, and transport device for moving the build-box between process stages to ensure complete atmosphere control throughout the process.

ExOne will continue to offer the original model of the X1 160Pro for customers who don’t require a controlled atmosphere system to process metal powders such as stainless steels. The company’s BJT AM technology is capable of processing twenty-three metal, ceramic, and composite materials, including a dozen single-alloy metals such as aluminium and titanium.

The current model is available to be shipped from ExOne’s European headquarters and production facility in Gersthofen, Germany.

www.exone.com

In the latest issue of PIM International…

Download PDF

Extensive MIM, CIM industry and sinter-based AM industry news, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles and reports:

  • INMATEC Technologies: Celebrating 25 years as a driving force behind Ceramic Injection Moulding
  • A year of change: Turbulence in China’s MIM industry as markets evolve
  • Ceramic Injection Moulding: The impact of variotherm and conformal cooling technology on part quality and process capability
  • The Additive Manufacturing of multi-material and multi-functional ceramic components

The latest news from the MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM industries

Don't miss any new issue of PIM International, and stay up to date with the latest industry news. Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter.

Sign up

Join our community

Discover our magazine archive…

The free-to-access PIM International magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

 

Browse the archive

 

Looking for suppliers of materials, production equipment and finished MIM, CIM or sinter-based AM parts?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of PIM International.

  • Metal powders
  • MIM, CIM & AM parts producers
  • Binders & feedstocks
  • Feedstock mixers
  • Furnaces & furnace supplies
  • Atmospheres & gas generation
  • HIP systems & services
  • Injection moulding machines
  • AM technology
  • Debinding systems
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap