---
title: The Metal Binder Jetting Process Explained
description: Binder jetting, a type of additive manufacturing, is a cost-effective process of producing complex metal parts and tooling.
---

[Blog ](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/blog)

# [The Metal Binder Jetting Process Explained](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/blog/metal-binder-jetting-process)

 Written by [Nichols Portland, Inc.](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/blog/author/nichols-portland-inc-1) | Oct 27, 2021 4:00:00 AM

The engineering and design world is starting to learn that [additive manufacturing](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/guide-to-metal-additive-manufacturing) can answer their prayers for merging speed and precision in a single project. What’s more of a mystery is this: What’s the best way to additively manufacture a piece of metal?

## Advantages of Binder Jetting Technology

Among the many, many methods of manufacturing metal, **Binder jetting** is one of the fastest and most accurate forms.

There are many advantages (and even a few disadvantages) to the binder jetting process. We’ve compiled a list of both to help you decide whether this type of **metal AM** is the best way to meet your performance, lead time, and cost requirements.

 

## What is the Metal Binder Jetting Process

The process is referred to as a type of [**additive manufacturing**](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/blog/what-is-metal-additive-manufacturing) because it adds material during the process, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing techniques (milling, grinding, cutting, etc.) that remove material from a solid block. Layers are added, rather than taken away and scrapped, leading to **less waste.**

During the binder jetting process, a binding agent is selectively deposited onto a powder bed, bonding the areas together to form a solid part, one layer at a time. Similar to traditional paper printing, the binder functions like the ink as it moves across the layers of powder, which, like paper, transform into the final product.

 

## Advantages of Metal Binder Jetting

Binder jetting has the edge in several cost and quality factors, compared to not just other metal AM processes, but also many non-AM processes:

- You can produce multiple iterations of a single part in one print, reducing part costs and development time
- [Printing supports](https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printing-support-structures/) are not always necessary, cutting down on wasted material and post-processing time
- Binder jet systems can recycle and reuse up to 99% of stray powder
- Manufactured parts are[isotropic](https://filament2print.com/gb/blog/91_isotropy-3d-printing.html), meaning they’re equally strong in all directions
- Rapidly advancing technology is enabling the production of larger parts and opening paths to a wider range of material options
- Ability to produce complex designs without increasing costs

 

## Disadvantages of Metal Binder Jetting

There’s no perfect metal manufacturing process -- otherwise, why would they all exist? Drawbacks of binder jetting include:

- Higher equipment costs compared to subtractive manufacturing techniques
- Today, post-print processes are largely manual, but significant development to automate the steps is underway
- Requires additional equipment for post-processing

 

## When to Use Metal Binder Jetting

**Metal binder jetting** is used in a variety of markets, including:

- Industrial applications
- Aerospace components 
- Dental and medical devices
- Part casting

Common applications for binder jetting include:

- Rapid tooling, fixtures, and jigs
- Rapid to fully functional prototypes
- The dense and durable metals used in binder jet printing make it a prime choice for end-use products as well

 

## Design Roadblocks?

Metal binder jetting is quickly becoming a popular technology for manufacturers who want an efficient, cost-effective way to produce custom parts out of a wide variety of metals. Like any metal manufacturing process, it has its quirks, but an experienced vendor can help **steer you around any design roadblocks.**

To learn more about whether metal binder jetting can support your product development, [contact us](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/contact). 

[View full post](https://nicholsportlandinc.com/blog/metal-binder-jetting-process)

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