Sinter Boxes in Additive Manufacturing

Recently, we received two parts files that were so similar that they were hard to differentiate. To keep them separated during our printing and post-processing steps, we utilized sinter boxes around the different parts. Sinter boxes, also referred to as sinter-shells, are a cage-like form printed around 3D printed parts to keep them separate and protected throughout printing and post-processing.

At Additive America, we use Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology in our additive manufacturing process. Using Multi Jet Fusion gives us the capability to print the sinter box around the parts without touching. We were able to design the box with holes that make it easier to vacuum the excess PA12 powder from the printing process. We also made sure to create the box so that we would be able to break it and remove the parts easily when we were ready to do so.

Multi Jet Fusion technology is not the only 3D printing process to utilize sinter boxes. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is another common process that utilizes these boxes. SLS is a very similar additive manufacturing process to MJF. The main difference is the heat source that is used to fuse the powder and agents. SLS utilizes a laser to scan the areas that are desired to be bonded. MJF deposits the powder and printing agents layer by layer and is fused by an infrared light passed over the printing area. Because of the similarities in the two processes, it makes sense that both would take advantage of the chance to use sintering boxes when necessary. Other printing processes may use sinter boxes, but these are the two most common.

This article was written by Miranda Quinn for AdditiveAmerica.com