Zetasinter 4L tubular sintering furnace

The Zetasinter 4L furnace is the definitive solution for industries seeking to optimize the sintering process with cutting-edge technology. Designed by Zetamix to offer precise and efficient results, this furnace has become an indispensable tool in industrial sectors that use FDM printing with metal filaments to manufacture high-performance products and solutions.

The sintering of 3D-printed parts is a post-processing process used to fuse material particles, usually metallic or ceramic, that have been 3D printed. During this process, the printed part is heated to high temperatures, but below its melting point, allowing the particles to bond without completely melting. This results in a denser, stronger part with improved mechanical properties.

The new Zetasinter 4L has greater capacity than its predecessor. This version, which reaches a maximum temperature of 1350°C, has a volume of 4 liters (140 mm in diameter and 300 mm in length). This volume is sufficient to sinter larger parts or small batches of products, which is especially useful for companies that use additive manufacturing in the creation of vehicle spare parts, tools, and prototypes.

Photo 1: 3D-printed parts with metal and ceramic filaments after sintering. Source: Zetamix

The Zetasinter 4L is specifically designed to sinter parts printed with H13, 316L, and 17-4PH filaments, under a controlled atmosphere of argon and hydrogen mixture. One of the main advantages of this furnace is its exceptionally precise temperature control. This ensures that the sintering process is carried out under ideal conditions for each filament, which translates into superior quality parts with unparalleled homogeneity.

In addition, its optimized loading capacity allows sintering several parts simultaneously, thus increasing productivity and reducing cycle times. Its design has also been conceived to maximize energy efficiency and help reduce long-term operating costs.

Photo 2: Parts ready to start sintering in the Zetasinter 4L. Source: Zetasinter

Filaments Compatible with the Zetasinter 4L Furnace

Zetamix not only produces excellent sintering furnaces, but also has developed complex filaments that can be printed on virtually any printer with a direct extruder, as they require printing temperatures between 150 and 180°C. The Zetasinter 4L is compatible with H13, 316L, and 17-4 PH stainless steel filaments. All of them have specific characteristics and uses.

The H13 filament is widely used in applications that require high resistance to wear and temperature, such as in the manufacture of cutting tools and components exposed to extreme conditions. 316L is particularly resistant to corrosion, so it is often used in the manufacture of components that must be exposed to aggressive environments, such as the chemical, biomedical, and food industries. The 17-4 PH filament is mainly used in the manufacture of stainless steel parts with high mechanical strength properties and good stability at high temperatures, and is a great option for sectors such as aerospace and automotive.

Photo 3: Figurine made with stainless steel filament, subsequently sintered. Source: The Virtual Foundry

The Success Story of MGB: The History of Innovation and Precision through 3D Printing

MGB, a leading company in the manufacture of precision screws since 1956, has a global presence in Europe, China, and the United States. To remain at the forefront of quality and innovation, the company adopted 3D printing as a key solution to optimize its production processes.

One of the challenges faced by MGB in the manufacture of precision screws was preventing the overheating of the machines. To avoid this, the entire production facility was sprayed with an industrial lubricant.

The spray nozzle that dispensed this lubricant was located at a distance from the cooling zone for safety reasons. This generated imprecise lubrication and waste of energy and the oil itself. MGB tried to manufacture a custom part in plastic, but the high liquid pressure caused the nozzle to explode.

Photo 4: Old spray nozzle showing the imprecision of the lubrication. Source: Zetamix

The solution came with the 316L stainless steel filament, ideal for withstanding high pressures, and the Zetasinter 4L from Zetamix. Thanks to this material, MGB was able to print a custom-made, resistant nozzle with threads, which allowed precise and efficient control of the lubrication.

3D printing established itself as the perfect tool for manufacturing complex parts, demonstrating its ability to solve industrial problems and improve productivity.

Photo 5: Custom-made nozzle manufactured with 316L stainless steel filament and sintered in the Zetasinter tubular furnace. Source: Zetamix

A Key Tool to Improve Productivity and Reduce Costs in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The Zetasinter 4L from Zetamix is an advanced sintering solution that offers precision, efficiency, and versatility for the manufacture of high-quality industrial parts. Compatible with H13, 316L, and 17-4 PH filaments, this furnace is the ideal option for sintering prototypes and small series of products in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, chemical, and biomedical.

Its functionalities respond to current production needs. It is a state-of-the-art equipment, ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises that prefer to carry out the post-processing of prints in their own facilities, without having to resort to an external sintering service.

Photo 6: Zetasinter tubular sintering furnace. Source: Zetasinter

Without a doubt, with its precise temperature control, efficient design, and ability to work with metal filaments, the Zetasinter 4L establishes itself as a key tool to improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure quality in sintering processes.

Video 1: Presentation of the Zetamix company.