MEX is an additive manufacturing process which uses molten granulates to model parts in a layer-by-layer process.
With AIM3D you can simply use your already existing materials and can thus reduce your material costs by up to a factor of ten compared to filament. To this end, AIM3D’s patent pending CEM process is used.
Our AIM3D printhead processes the granulate and uses high compression to achieve a consistent result that is independent of the shape of the raw material. You are thus not dependent on the availability of a special filament when you want to use new materials. This is especially relevant for materials that cannot be processed as filament due to their respective material properties (for example, due to brittleness or hardness).
Why not use filament?
When filaments are produced, various factors need to be considered, such as, for example, the need for a constant thickness and the prevention of air pockets. 3D printing with filaments is realised by feeding the filament into a heated nozzle. Any irregularities in either the diameter or the density of the filament lead to variations of the flow rate and thus to irregular printing results.
Considering these factors in the production of the filament and the fact that filament itself is made out of pellets, the material costs of using filament can be estimated to be up to ten times higher than when pellets are used directly. Furthermore, filaments require additional additives to obtain the required flexibility, which impairs the material properties compared to injection moulding pellets.
FAQ on the MEX process
Can any type of pellets or granulates be used?
Can any type of pellets or granulates be used?
Our ExAM printers are open material systems. Hence, customers can usually use their own existing materials. In the end, the chosen material dictates the minimum nozzle size and the general printability.
Can I use commercially available MIM feedstock?
Can I use commercially available MIM feedstock?
Yes, you can. It is not even relevant which binder is used. The ExAM printers support all common debinding methods (thermal, water-soluble, solvable and catalytic).
Does the entire production process of the metal component take place in the printer?
Does the entire production process of the metal component take place in the printer?
No. After the 3D printing process is completed, an additional debinding step is needed to remove the plastic and a sinter oven is needed to seal the component in an additional sintering step. AIM3D‘s open materials system allows you to keep using your already existing debinding and sintering systems.
Can I debind and sinter my 3D printed parts together with the parts produced by metal injection moulding?
Can I debind and sinter my 3D printed parts together with the parts produced by metal injection moulding?
According to customer feedback, this works very well. Hence, you can save time and money by not having to include separate sintering steps for the parts produced by additive manufacturing.
What are the mechanical properties?
What are the mechanical properties?
In general, the spec sheet values of the MIM material can be achieved, because the mechanical properties of the final component are mainly dependent on the sintering step. This is, in particular, also the case for the z-direction of the component.