Mock up of voxeljet's new VJET X 3D printer.
Binder jet 3D printing specialist, voxeljet is set to debut new additive manufacturing hardware next week.
Described as a new technology for “additive mass manufacturing”, the VJET X is designed for the cost-efficient serial production of complex sand cores for metal components and will be shown publicly for the first time during the GIFA casting technology show in Germany.
VJET X systems can be integrated into conventional casting lines and are already being lined up for commercialisation with a premium German car manufacturer. Possible applications include the 3D printing of complex water jacket cores in metal casting applications which are used for the precise temperature management in internal combustion engines, electric motors, inverters and battery systems to improve overall vehicle performance.
The machines use an inorganic binder system for emission-free core printing and are said to be up to ten times faster than previous models with a layer speed of less than five seconds thanks to a new process unit which combines multiple printing and recoating units. The VJET X can also be integrated into fully automated handling systems for pre- and post-process steps including loading and unloading, cleaning of the printed parts via robotic systems, and transport of sand cores to casting lines.
The news appears to build on an announcement made last summer where voxeljet teased a new VJet X-IOB machine believed to be up to ten times faster than its current hardware offering. At the time, the company stated it was taking steps to engineer the "world’s first fully automated 3D production solution capable of replacing conventional manufacturing in serial production."
Together with its industrial partners, voxeljet will be hosting live demonstrations of the VJET X along with its VX1000-S printers at the GIFA show on 25-29 June in Duesseldorf.
