Tethon 3D launches ceramic powder for binder jet Additive Manufacturing
June 1, 2020
Tethon 3D, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, a producer of ceramic powders and photo-curable ceramic polymers for Additive Manufacturing, has launched Tethonite Mullite, a ceramic powder for use in Binder Jetting (BJT) Additive Manufacturing.
The company explains that Tethonite Mullite represents the fifth addition to Tethon 3D’s ceramic powder portfolio, with other products including its high alumina, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware offerings. Parts produced with Mullite Tethonite are said to feature thermal stress resistance and low thermal conductivity, with furnace liners, electrical insulators and heat exchange parts being specified as suitable applications.
In addition to the new ceramic powder, Tethon 3D is also reportedly offering a companion binder, and recommends sintering temperatures of 1750–1850°C. The new material is said to be compatible with a range of Binder Jetting platforms currently on the market.
Although Tethon 3D has, in the last twelve months, launched its own Digital Light Processing (DLP) Additive Manufacturing system and secured a patent on its own Binder Jetting method, the company states that its origins are in material development. The company also plans to release a beta version of a UV curable mullite ceramic resin for stereolithography (SLA) and DLP AM technology.
“Ceramic powder material development continues to be an area of focus for us,” commented Karen Linder, Tethon 3D CEO. “We have over a decade of R&D experience and expertise with ceramic powders in Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing applications.”
Trent Allen, President at Tethon 3D, stated, “Ceramic and metal Additive Manufacturing is growing at a rapid pace. We believe that some of the largest growth we’ll see in the next five years is pushing the current boundaries of how things are post-processes. We see a lot of value in printing mullite material into custom kiln furniture and refractory products.”
