voxeljet presents new VJET X technology for additive mass production of sand cores
New systems to be fully automated and integrated into casting lines
voxeljet, a leading provider of high-speed, large-format 3D printers and on-demand parts services, is now closer to presenting its new additive manufacturing technology. Dubbed VJET X, the new process and relative hardware is targeted at direct additive mass manufacturing (AMM) of sand cores for indirect additive mass manufacturing of metal parts.
Presently voxeljet is only sharing a concept drawing of the new systems but the technology will be presented to the public for the first time – together with voxeljet’s VX 1000-S – at the GIFA show in Germany. GIFA is the world’s leading trade fair for casting technology and takes place from 25 to 29 June 2019 in Duesseldorf, Germany.
VJET X technology for automotive serial production
Integrated into conventional casting lines, voxeljet believes that its new VJET X printers are going to be the most powerful additive manufacturing technology for the cost-efficient serial-production of complex sand cores for the casting of metal components. The new printers are 10x faster than previous models, which results in a layering speed of less than 5 seconds. The process uses inorganic binder system for zero emissions during core printing, storage and when using the sand cores in the casting process.
Aligning themselves with the overall vision for automated factories, the VJET X systems are going to be integrated into fully automated handling systems for pre- and post-processes, like loading and unloading of the 3D printers, cleaning of the printed parts via robotic systems and transporting of sand cores to casting lines.
A new process unit is at the heart of the VJET X process and makes additive mass manufacturing possible. It is a combination of multiple printing and recoating units which move with unparalleled speed (layer time below five seconds), possibly one of the most advanced technologies in the additive manufacturing industry today.
The new technology, to be first commercialized with a premium German car manufacturer and integrated into conventional casting lines, can be used in the additive mass manufacturing of complex water jacket cores in metal casting applications. Water jacket cores are used for precise temperature management in internal combustion engines as well as in electric motors, inverters and battery systems. Efficient temperature management improves overall vehicle performance.
