DLP Photocuring 3D Printing of Titanium Alloys: An Innovative Solution by Junjing Technology and Beihang University

Amid the rapid advancements in material science and additive manufacturing, the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, known for its high strength, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and exceptional biocompatibility, holds tremendous potential across various sectors. Traditional processing methods struggle to meet the complex demands of this material, whereas additive manufacturing has gradually become the preferred approach due to its distinct advantages.

In September 2024, Panda3dp.com reported that Junjing Technology(君璟科技) and Beihang University have recently applied photocuring additive manufacturing technology to address the challenges of traditional manufacturing with Ti-6Al-4V material. This innovative approach facilitates the high-precision shaping of intricate structures, accelerating product development, commercial viability, and reducing manufacturing time and costs.

1. Material Configuration

The material consists of spherical Ti-6Al-4V metal powder prepared through atomization, with particle sizes primarily ranging between 10 and 30μm. Figure 1 and Table 1 display the morphology and chemical composition of the powder. After optimizing the resin formula, the solid content of the printed material reaches approximately 45% by volume. The titanium alloy product demonstrates excellent resistance to high temperatures, wear, and superior specific strength, exhibiting outstanding thermal stability in extreme environments such as aviation engines, thereby prolonging its service life.

Figure 1 Ti-6Al-4V metal powder morphology

Table 1 Chemical composition of Ti-6Al-4V metal powder

2. Photocuring 3D Printing

For this titanium alloy photocuring 3D printing process, turbine blades and porous structures were selected as models, printed using a lift-type DLP 3D printer, the J2-D100T-CERAMICS. Dimensional deviations of the print body in the X, Y, and Z directions were 0.25mm, 0.23mm, and 0.05mm, respectively. After sintering, the shrinkage rates in the X, Y, and Z directions were 4%, 4.2%, and 3.5%, respectively. Although the overall dimensions of the print body shrink after sintering, this can be compensated for by adjusting the scale factor in the software, ultimately achieving the desired part dimensions.

Fig. 2 Model information and printing parameters of light-curing molded titanium alloy

After forming the titanium alloy body using photocuring technology, subsequent degreasing and sintering are necessary to ensure consistent product performance. Depending on the required performance, budget, and efficiency, the most appropriate sintering technology can be selected. Junjing Technology applied pressureless sintering to the photocured titanium alloy, demonstrating excellent sintering performance. The product meets application requirements without the need for further grinding or polishing.

Figure 3 Light-curing molded titanium alloy samples and performance parameters

The groundbreaking collaboration between Junjing Technology and Beihang University in DLP titanium alloy 3D printing challenges conventional additive manufacturing technologies and broadens the application boundaries of titanium alloy materials. Photocuring technology introduces innovative solutions to fields such as aerospace and medical implants.

About Junjing Technology

Guangdong Junjing Technology Co., Ltd. was established in June 2021 in Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, with its headquarters, Beijing Junjing Technology Co., Ltd., registered in November 2023 in the core area of Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing. Its R&D and manufacturing center in the Yangtze River Delta is currently under planning. The company focuses on photocuring 3D printing of ceramic and metal materials, manufacturing techniques for hard-to-process materials like ceramic composites, and ancillary equipment for semiconductors. JunJing Technology is a Chinese provider of ceramic slurries for stereolithography 3D printing, including alumina, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, piezoelectric ceramics, and hydroxyapatite. They offer a comprehensive range of equipment for various stereolithography techniques such as lift-off and submerged DLP, submerged SLA, direct ink writing (DIW), thin-film spraying, and bioprinting, as well as complete 3D printing production lines. The company has established close collaborations with leading enterprises in sectors like 3C electronics, industrial ceramics, luxury goods, photovoltaics, semiconductors, and precious metals, and has been qualified as a supplier for ceramics additive manufacturing by U.S.. JunJing Technology's founders include renowned experts from key domestic universities specializing in advanced manufacturing and ceramic materials, along with the founders of national-level "Little Giant" enterprises, provincial-level specialized and innovative enterprises, former Foxconn project managers, and core members of the former BoZhiLin R&D team. The core team has led over ten major national and provincial projects and has facilitated the large-scale application of key technological achievements in industries such as aerospace and manufacturing. They continue to lead the company in conducting advanced industrial research in ceramic additive and subtractive manufacturing, micro-nano 3D manufacturing, and ultra-fine 3D manufacturing of silicon carbide.