The ExOne Company, a global leader in industrial sand and metal 3D printers using binder jetting technology, has announced that TCL Hofmann is now an authorised channel partner to sell ExOne industrial solutions in Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re excited to have representation from such a respected and experienced supplier in the manufacturing sector, especially one with 3D printing experience,” said Ben Leung, Vice-President, Asia at ExOne. “As ExOne strengthens our network and strategy in Asia, we expect TCL Hofmann to play a key role in our growth and expansion.”
TCL Hofmann joins the ExOne network as binder jet 3D printing is increasingly recognised as the additive manufacturing method that will be used for high-volume production because of its high speed, material flexibility, and low waste and cost.
Joseph Hancock, Managing Director at TCL Hofmann, added: “We believe that binder jetting is well-positioned to grow quickly, and we’re looking forward to bringing this technology to manufacturing customers across our region.”
ExOne’s patented binder jet 3D printing process transforms powdered materials — metal, sand or ceramic — into highly dense and functional precision parts or tooling at high speeds. An industrial printhead selectively deposits a binder into a bed of powder particles creating a solid part one thin layer at a time, just like printing on sheets of paper. The technology is viewed as a sustainable production method, with high levels of recyclability, low waste, and the ability to consolidate and lightweight parts for shorter supplier chains and more fuel-efficient cars and planes.
“TCL Hofmann is excited to introduce ExOne’s binder jet technology to our existing additive manufacturing customers,” said John Whinnen, TCL Hofmann Business Manager. “The wide variety of metal, ceramic and composite materials address key application needs within our serviced industries such as Defense, Mining and Aerospace who are looking to onshore and localise manufacturing.”
ExOne has qualified more than 20 metal, ceramic and composite materials for its binder jetting process. More than half of those materials are single-alloy metals, such as 17-4PH, 316L, 304L, M2 Tool Steel, Inconel 718, and more. High-demand materials, such as aluminium and titanium, are also being fast-tracked for qualification.