Tethon 3D has just released their newest ceramic powder for the creation of high alumina prints. Tethonite is an ideal powder for binder jetting systems, available in a variety of formulations for quite some time, now adding the high alumina version to their portfolio. As with most Tethonite powders, it works alongside Tethon’s ceramic binder.
The powder is 96 percent alumina in terms of weight, coming down to 20 lbs of powders total. It requires the binder for proper processing and requires sintering at 1300 °C (2372 °F) for porous high alumina prints. For better parts with better densities, however, the prints requires higher sintering temperatures. It has a heat tolerance of up to 2000 °C (3632 °F), so users can really get a range of qualities out of it.
The powder continues the companies interest in exploring the various uses of ceramic powders, which has become somewhat of a niche for the company. The high alumina version is an expansion of their pre-existing Tethonite line. The original line from 2014 was part of the companies flagship releases when they began production.
“Ceramic powder material development continues to be an area of focus for us,” said CEO Karen Linder. “We have over a decade of R&D experience and expertise with ceramic powders in binder jetting additive manufacturing applications.”
Ceramic Powders
Alumina powders bring with them quite a few great advantages. Firstly, ceramic powders of this sort can be highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for industrial chemical handling. Additionally, they are also durable and very resistant to thermal stress. This makes them especially useful for oil and gas processing, high voltage bushings, specialty crucibles and laser shields.
The Tethonite line features the original stoneware, porcelain, earthenware and now the high alumina powder. While the powders can work with most binder jetting systems, the company particularly recommends ZCorp 310 and 510 systems.
The Tethonite powders also require a bit of post-processing after the print. When the printer processes the powder, users still have to use a kiln to achieve vitrification. Following this, the object is completely ceramic and requires no other forms of finishing.
All images courtesy of Tethon 3D. The Tethonite user guide is available here.