Case Study: TECNALIA achieves 75% shorter lead times and advanced cutting‑tool designs with ExOne Innovent binder jetting

Binder Jetting of Hard Metal and Tool Steels for Cutting Tools

TECNALIA Research & Innovation, a leading Spanish research institute, set out to investigate binder jetting of tungsten carbide cobalt (WC‑Co) and M2 high‑speed tool steels for cutting tools and drills. The challenge was to achieve demanding in‑service properties—high density, hardness, and fracture toughness—without cracking or WC decomposition, requiring end‑to‑end development from powder selection through printing and post‑processing. To pursue this, TECNALIA used ExOne’s binder jet 3D printing technology, the ExOne Innovent®.

Using the ExOne Innovent®, TECNALIA optimized powders, printing parameters, and sinter/HIP cycles to deliver near‑net‑shape WC‑Co and M2 parts with densities and mechanical properties comparable to conventional parts. ExOne’s binder jetting enabled integrated conformal cooling channels and reduced machining, cutting lead times by about 75% (from ~4 weeks to under 1 week), improving tool temperature control, enabling higher machining speeds, extending tool life, and lowering coolant consumption.

Tecnalia

Iñigo Agote

Project Manager and Group Leader