---
title: "Phenol Direct Binding (PDB)"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/additive-manufacturing/am-technologies/what-is-phenol-direct-binding/
date: 2017-12-13
modified: 2017-12-19
lang: en
author: "VoxelMatters"
description: "What is Phenol Direct Binding? Phenol Direct Binding is an additive manufacturing technology developed by voxeljet, based on Binder Jetting technology. Whilst voxeljet’s machines can print high-quality plastic parts, where the company really..."
word_count: 344
---

# Phenol Direct Binding (PDB)

# What is Phenol Direct Binding?

Phenol Direct Binding is an additive manufacturing technology developed by voxeljet, based on Binder Jetting technology. Whilst voxeljet’s machines can print high-quality plastic parts, where the company really shines is in short-run, detailed sand cast and core production. PDB works with an inorganic thermosetting resin, allowing a variety of different silica sand finenesses to be used (GS 14, GS 19, and GS 25, with a grain size of 140 µm, 190 µm, and 250 µm respectively) as well as Cerabeads.

3D printers from voxeljet can be used for the time- and cost-efficient production of sand molds and cores for metal casting. The molds are produced by applying a particle material in layers and selectively bonding it with a binder. Silica sand is used as the particulate material. The VX200 voxeljet systems are also [used by Johnson Matthey](https://www.voxelmatters.com//johnson-matthey-opens-new-ceramic-3d-printing-laboratory-royston/) to produce bespoke ceramic products with flexible geometries and feature sizes down to just 400 µm, using alumina-based technical ceramics.

A substantial advantage to many other available technologies is the ability of printing large-format parts with an effective building volume of 4,000 x 2,000 x 1,000 mm (L x W x H), as well as higher strength and recyclability compared to traditional methods of production.

| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ---------- | ------------- |
| - Largest size capabilities in the industry | - High cost of systems |
| - Unique use of phenolic binders | - Limited marketing & communication support |
| - Support for technical ceramics | |

## How does PDB work?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAAcYRH24E

## Available PDB 3D printers:

[![Voxeljet's CX200 is a widely used system for binder jetting processing of ceramics powders](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/vx200-frontal-person-web-02-c7-640x427.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/ceramics-am-material-frontier-part-2/vx200-frontal-person-web-02-c7/)

voxeljet VX200

[![voxeljet VX2000 PDB 3D printer](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/4.3D-Drucker_VX2000_frontal-640x427.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/struggling-voxeljet-closes-transitional-fy2016-decreasing-revenues-increased-losses/4-3d-drucker_vx2000_frontal/)

voxeljet VX4000

| Model |  VX200, VX1000, VX2000, VX4000 |
| ----- | ------------------------------- |
| Manufacturer |  voxeljet |
| Price (approx.) | $200,000-$1M |
| Technology |  PDB (Binder Jetting) |
| Materials |  Silica sand, Cerabeads, Alumina |
| Effective Build Volume |  300 x 200 x 150 mm to 4000 x 2000 x 1000 mm |
| Layer Thickness |  150-400 μm |

You can find more information and the specifications for the machine [here](https://www.voxeljet.com/3d-drucksysteme/).

### Further reading on voxeljet and PDB:

[• voxeljet Down 18.2% in Q2, Optimistic on New HSS Systems and Service Revenues](https://www.voxelmatters.com//voxeljet-18-2-q2-optimistic-new-hss-systems-service-revenues/)
[• Johnson Matthey Opens New Ceramic 3D Printing Laboratory in Royston](https://www.voxelmatters.com//johnson-matthey-opens-new-ceramic-3d-printing-laboratory-royston/)
[• Ceramics, Breaking Through the Next 3D Printing Material Frontier / Part 1](https://www.voxelmatters.com//ceramics-am-material-frontier-part-1/)
[• SmarTech Issues First Report on Traditional and Technical Ceramics AM](https://www.voxelmatters.com//smartech-issues-first-report-traditional-technical-ceramics/)