Which AM method uses one or more print heads to successively layer droplets of build material onto a build platform?

Binder jetting is characterized by the use of one or more print heads that lay down alternating layers of granular build material and a liquid binding agent. This process involves depositing droplets of the binding agent onto the build material, which helps to bond the particles together layer by layer. The result is a solid structure formed from the adhered particles after the printing process is completed and often requires post-processing, such as sintering or infiltration, to achieve the desired physical properties.

Understanding the mechanisms behind binder jetting is essential for applications where a wide variety of materials can be used, including metals, sand, and ceramics, allowing for versatility in forming complex geometries. This method differs significantly from other additive manufacturing techniques, such as Fused Deposition Modeling, which extrudes thermoplastic filaments, or Stereolithography, which uses a laser to cure resin, and Selective Laser Sintering, which employs a laser to selectively fuse powdered materials. Each technique has its unique processes, but binder jetting specifically excels in utilizing liquid binding agents to layer build materials.