ASKURANTM 3D

BISPHENOL A-FREE FURAN RESIN SYSTEM
FOR 3D SAND PRINTING
Whether for prototypes or small batches, the advantagesof additive manufacturing are obvious: the ability torepresent geometries that cannot be represented inconventional core manufacturing processes, great
flexibility, no waiting time for a new pattern or reduction inpattern stock, to name a few.
Furan resin-based binders for acid curing, known as
ASKURANTM 3D, have established themselves as areliable and robust standard method.
ASK Chemicals has now further developed the wellknown ASKURANTM 3D furan resin technology intobisphenol A-free furan resins to establish a binder systemwith improved environmental labeling that matches thehigh quality and robustness of its BPA-containingpredecessors.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES▪

Simple and versatile▪

Nitrogen and water free▪

Very high reactivity▪

High strengths▪

Good process and printing stability▪

Can be used with all common molding materials▪

Suitable for all types of casting▪

Very long storage stability of the binderASKURANTM 3D1

Transfer of theCAD model52

Repeat thesteps 2 – 4

Recoating of themolding material

3

Selective printing
with ASKURANTM 3D

6

Finishing theloose material

74

Lowering theconstruction
platform

Finished
component

Figure 1: Process steps of the powder binder jetting process
3D sand printing process
In 3D sand printing using the powder-binder jetting
process, cores and molds are created without tools on thebasis of a digital 3D data model by applying the mold basematerial layer by layer. In the furan resin-based process, themold base material is wetted with an acid hardener. Thisis followed by the application of a thin layer of the alreadyactivated mold base material („recoating“). The liquid binder
is then applied selectively to the areas to be formed and theconstruction platform is lowered. The step-by-step
repetition thus creates the geometry specified with CAD. At
the end of the print job, the excess sand is removed andthe printed core is removed and cleaned (finishing).
The proper functioning of the print head modules, which
apply the printing fluid finely to every layer of sand, is crucial
for the quality of the print result. High material compatibility
and resistance of the components installed in the printheadmodules to the chemical components of the 3D printing
fluid is essential. In addition, the physical and chemicalparameters of the 3D printing fluid, e.g.viscosity andsurface tension, affect the droplet formation behavior andthus the dimensional stability of the additive core
manufacturing process.
Furan resins containing bisphenol A
The bisphenol A-containing furan resins have establishedthemselves over the years as state-of-the-art furan resinbased binders for 3D sand printing. Bisphenol A (CAS no.:80-05-7; 4,4‘-isopropylidenediphenol), however, is achemical that poses significant environmental and healthrisks. For example the media have reported a ban on theuse of bisphenol A in the manufacture of drinking vessels
and bottles for infants and young children.
Bisphenol A has now been classified as a reproductive
toxin, among other things, and has been identified as a
substance of very high concern (SVHC) under the REACH

regulation. It is an endocrine disruptor (hormonally harmfulsubstance) to human health and the environment. Further
restrictions on use are currently under discussion.
Bisphenol A-free ASKURANTM 3DThe new Bisphenol A-free ASKURANTM 3D technology
now enables print users to switch to a safe furan resin
system without compromising on the robustness of theprinting process or casting quality. Bisphenol A-free
ASKURAN 3D shows excellent stability during printing,ensures a stable process with consistent quality andgenerates high strength. At the same time, the use ofbisphenol A, which is harmful to the environment andhealth, is avoided.

YOUR SUSTAINABILITYPLUS
Profitability▪ Good productivity thanks to good process andprinting stability
Environment & Social▪ Bisphenol A-free (BPA-free)▪ Improved classification▪ Improved occupational safety