When it comes to 3D printing, you might be familiar with the usual Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Stereolithography (SLA) methods. But what if we told you there’s a new player in town, one that 3D prints metal using a paste? It’s time to dive into the world of Rapidia and discover how this revolutionary technology is transforming metal 3D printing as we know it.
A Different Approach to Metal 3D Printing
Rapidia’s approach to 3D printing metal is quite different from what you might have seen before. Instead of using traditional filaments or powder-based methods, they opt for a paste. This unique paste is a blend of metal powder and a tiny amount of water and binder. It’s this paste that enables them to create intricate metal parts layer by layer.
The Two-Step Process
The 3D printing process at Rapidia is a two-step marvel. First, the paste is extruded and deposited layer by layer, similar to how FDM works with plastic filaments. The key difference is that this paste is nearly pure metal, containing about 90% metal by weight. The remaining 10% is primarily water. This paste is incredibly versatile and can be manipulated for precise 3D printing.
What happens after each layer is deposited? A lamp passes over the freshly printed layer to dry it. This process creates what is known as a “green part.” It’s called green because it’s not yet the final metal part. It’s akin to the product of a de-binding step in traditional metal injection molding. Essentially, it’s like having a metal part in its brown state.
Minimal Binder Usage
Rapidia’s secret sauce is its incredibly low binder usage. The absence of excessive binders results in a metal part with around 99% metal by weight and less than 1% binder. This efficient use of binder minimizes the shrinkage, which is a common concern with other 3D printing materials. Rapidia’s scale factor is 1.16, leading to a shrinkage of approximately 14, a significant advantage over alternative methods.
Impressive 3D Printed Parts
Rapidia’s technology allows for the creation of incredible 3D printed metal parts. These parts exhibit outstanding detail and design, making them suitable for various applications. One notable feature of their parts is the nearly pure metal content. With a precise paste extrusion process, Rapidia can offer exceptional resolution, providing a level of detail that’s challenging to achieve through traditional machining methods.
Exploring Green Parts
Before the green parts are subjected to sintering, they bear a striking ceramic layer. This layer enables the removal of the green part from the printing surface, essentially acting as a support structure. After the sintering process, what remains is the final metal part, seamless and brimming with intricate details.
Reducing Production Time
One of the standout advantages of Rapidia’s approach is the reduction in production time. By eliminating the need for de-binding, they’ve managed to cut the end-to-end manufacturing process in half. This is a significant leap forward for industries seeking faster metal 3D printing solutions.
Advanced Finishing Capabilities
Rapidia also prides itself on offering various finishing options for their 3D printed parts. These include as-printed parts, machined parts, and polished parts. The as-printed parts emerge directly from the sintering process, bearing a unique texture and finish. For specific applications, additional machining can be applied to achieve even greater precision. And for a refined, glossy appearance, parts can be polished to perfection.
The Promise of Innovation
Rapidia’s pioneering approach to 3D printing with metal paste is opening doors to innovation and design possibilities that were previously unattainable. The unique combination of nearly pure metal content, low binder usage, and a streamlined process is a game-changer in the world of metal 3D printing.
If you want to explore the endless potential of metal 3D printing, consider Rapidia as a leading light in the field. With reduced production times and an array of finishing options, they’re bringing a new level of efficiency and precision to the industry.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit Rapidia. Join the 3D printing revolution and watch as metal parts are redefined through innovation.