The XJet Carmel 1400 Additive Manufacturing (AM) System has officially commenced operations at the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) in Ohio, marking the first installation of this technology in the United States. Initially designed for ceramic materials, the system is expected to incorporate metal materials in the near future.
YBI serves as a hub for entrepreneurial ventures and is home to America Makes, an initiative focused on advancing additive manufacturing. The facility provides a collaborative environment for research and development, featuring a diverse array of industrial AM systems from various technology families.
XJet, founded in 2005 and based in Rehovot, Israel, has utilized its expertise in inkjet technology to develop its NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ) process. This method employs 24 print heads, each with 512 nozzles, to jet liquid suspensions of solid nanoparticles in ultra-thin layers. The system operates at elevated temperatures to ensure rapid evaporation of the liquid, allowing nanoparticles to bond effectively and form high-density parts.
Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, noted that the resolution and detail achievable with the XJet technology are exceptional, which could greatly benefit industries such as healthcare. Currently, YBI is focusing on zirconia ceramic materials, with metal ink expected to be available by the end of 2018.
YBI aims to make the XJet system accessible to students, faculty, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs. The facility offers training and a fee-for-service model for those interested in utilizing the technology for research and development projects.
For further inquiries about the XJet system and its applications, interested parties can contact Stephanie Gaffney, YBI's Director of AM Programs.
For more information, visit the original announcement at XJet.