Ricoh Develops Diffusion Bonding Technology for Aluminium Binder Jetting Components!

Ricoh Company, Ltd., headquartered in Kanagawa, Japan, has introduced an innovative diffusion bonding process that joins aluminium parts fabricated through Binder Jetting (BJT) to wrought aluminium alloys. This advancement removes size limitations inherent in BJT while reducing production costs, expanding the potential of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM).

Metal Binder Jetting (BJT) is recognized for its cost-efficiency and productivity, suitable for prototyping and series manufacturing. However, producing large, high-accuracy parts using BJT is challenging due to the sintering process, which can compromise precision and scalability. Ricoh’s diffusion bonding technology addresses this by enabling the seamless integration of sintered BJT components with conventionally manufactured aluminium parts.

Ricoh’s solution leverages proprietary liquid-phase sintering technology, allowing for the fabrication of intricate parts like heat exchanger fins, which are then joined to aluminium cases produced through traditional methods. This approach offers a dual benefit:

1. Complex Geometry: BJT enables the creation of fins with intricate designs, enhancing cooling performance in heat exchangers.
2. Dimensional Accuracy: Traditional methods ensure precision for components like the case, crucial for maintaining overall assembly standards.

The development is particularly impactful for heat exchangers, which require both high cooling efficiency and strict dimensional accuracy. Ricoh’s process combines the strengths of Binder Jetting’s design freedom and conventional machining’s precision, resulting in efficient, cost-effective components.

This innovation broadens the application of Binder Jetting technology, unlocking opportunities for industries that require large, complex, and precise aluminium components, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics cooling. By reducing costs and enabling scalability, Ricoh is paving the way for wider adoption of metal AM in high-performance industrial applications.

Ricoh’s diffusion bonding process underscores the company’s commitment to advancing Additive Manufacturing technologies, offering new possibilities for customized designs and efficient manufacturing.