Heated printhead binder jetting of 316 L stainless steel using a low-saturation aqueous PVA binder
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, vol.170, pp.47-62, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 170
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jmapro.2026.05.016
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Compendex, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.47-62
- Keywords: 316 L stainless steel, Additive manufacturing, Binder jetting, Preheating printhead, PVA-based binder
- Gazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Binder jetting is an additive manufacturing process in which a liquid binder is selectively deposited onto a powder bed, layer by layer, to form a green part for subsequent sintering. While it offers design flexibility and scalability, most commercial systems employ resin-based binders that release volatile organic compounds and leave carbon residues. In this study, a customised binder jetting system was developed to process 316 L stainless steel using, for the first time, a heated printhead optimised for a non-resin aqueous binder consisting of 1 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in deionised water, applied solely through the printhead without pre-blending into the powder. Printhead heating enhanced droplet jettability and wettability, enabling low binder saturation (20%) while achieving green part compressive strength of 2.72 MPa, sufficient for safe handling, and minimal shrinkage (<= 15.08%). The combined effects of layer thickness and sintering temperature were investigated, with optimal results obtained at 80 mu m layer thickness and 1450 degrees C vacuum sintering. Under these conditions, parts achieved relative densities of 98.66 +/- 0.20% (Archimedes) and 99.07 +/- 0.12% (cross-section), 156.3 HV hardness, and 517.46 MPa tensile strength without hot isostatic pressing. These results demonstrate competitive performance with reduced environmental impact, highlighting the potential of aqueous binder jetting with a heated printhead for more sustainable metal additive manufacturing.