Chemical grafting agent for binder jetting of strong green parts and method for applying the same

Abstract

A method of binder jetting strong green parts using a chemical grafting agent is disclosed. The method includes preparing a binder and a powder for binder jetting. The binder may comprise a first sorbent and the powder may comprise a second sorbent. The chemical grafting agent is introduced to enable covalent bonding between the binder and the powder. The grafting agent may be premixed with the binder, premixed with the powder, and/or delivered in situ during printing via a printhead. The binder is selectively jetted into layers of powder to form a green part, which is then cured to complete the grafting reactions and strengthen the part without sintering. The resulting green parts exhibit improved mechanical integrity and can be fabricated from heat-sensitive materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.