To support the conversion of wood and other cellulose fibres into eco-friendly packaging and products, ExOne’s 3D printed metal tools are used in Celwise’s 316L stainless steel
Celwise’s sustainable molded fibre products, which replace single-use plastics, are shown in front of the X1 160Pro production metal 3D printer. (Credit: Business Wire)
Celwise, a provider of binder jet 3D printing solutions, has selected ExOne 3D printed tooling to transform wood fibre into a single-use plastic replacement.
To support the patented method of converting wood and other cellulose fibres into a range of eco-friendly packaging and products, ExOne’s 3D printed metal tools are used in Celwise’s 316L stainless steel.
Celwise technology, which was developed patented over the past 10 years, intends to transform the paper and plastics industry by producing a water-resistant moulded fibre product that looks like a luxurious blend of wood and plastic.
The company’s patented tooling, machines and processes convert wood fibre into water-resistant packaging and products, which are recyclable, renewable and biodegradable.
The technology is being used by global companies from multiple industries, including consumer products, food and beverage, cosmetics and electronics.
Celwise inventor and co-owner David Pierce said: “Our patented technology delivers a recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable product that can be manufactured faster and more affordably than traditional technologies.
“Advanced manufacturing approaches, which rely on 3D printed tooling from ExOne, are an important part of our process.”
Celwise’s patented process consists of tooling and machines, as well as a novel process, to deliver its final product.
Common cellulose fibre-based (paper) product manufacturing is said to gradually remove water from cellulose fibre for moulded products, which have to be coated for water resistance.
Celwise quickly removes water in a new process, which supports cellulose fibres to re-bond with each other rapidly, thereby creating a new wood-like and water-resistant paper product.
ExOne’s binder jet 3D printing converts powdered materials such as metal, sand or ceramic into highly dense and functional precision parts at high speeds.
An industrial printhead selectively deposits a binder into a bed of powder particles to create a solid part one thin layer at a time and similar to printing on sheets of paper.
The final bound metal part has to be sintered in a furnace to fuse the particles together into a solid object when printing metals such as the Celwise tools.