Advances in Digital Multi-Material Composite Sand-Mold Binder-Jetting Forming Technology and Equipment

In response to the demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing processes for intricate castings used in advanced equipment, binder jetting technology has emerged as a leading method for achieving rapid casting design and manufacturing. This technology has attracted much interest from research institutions, universities, and enterprises worldwide. Binder jetting-based sand-mold additive manufacturing can be used to manufacture complex sand molds (cores) directly and does not require traditional molds, expediting the production of complex castings and the accompanying process refinement. The exceptional design and manufacturing versatility afforded by this technology has enabled a profound transformation in the foundry industry, advancing the digitization, sustainability, and intelligent evolution of sand casting. This paper explores the recent research progress and achievements in the field of binder jetting sand-mold additive manufacturing in four dimensions: materials, design methods, process technologies, and system equipment. Finally, the characteristics and application advantages of binder jetting technology are analyzed, and the future development trends and challenges of binder jetting-based sand-mold additive manufacturing technology are investigated.