About
Dr
Gabriel Benedet Dutra
Postdoctoral Researcher
UCD
Dr. Gabriel Benedet Dutra is a Postdoctoral Researcher at I-Form, based at University College Dublin (UCD), focusing on advancements in the Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) additive manufacturing process. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina and completed his PhD at the University of Bremen where he worked on developing functionally graded components using Two-Component Injection Molding at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (IFAM). Dr. Dutra’s key research interests include powder technology, materials characterisation, composites, and, more recently, metal additive manufacturing. His current work focuses on optimising Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) techniques to enhance the producibility, reliability, and performance of components designed for biomedical applications.
Technical Summary
Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) is a novel Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique developed to address the limitations of more established additive manufacturing processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Potential advantages include broad material compatibility, the elimination of support structures, improved microstructural homogeneity, enhanced cost efficiency, and reduced safety risks. Despite these benefits, MBJ faces several challenges across its processing stages, and achieving reproducible, reliable, and fully dense components—particularly for demanding applications such as in the biomedical sector—remains a significant challenge.
Dr. Dutra’s research focuses on advancing the application of MBJ for the production of high-density components intended for biomedical use. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interdependent effects of powder characteristics, binder formulations, and printing and sintering parameters on the final part density. Recognising the strong interrelationship between raw material properties and each stage of the manufacturing process, the research aims to identify the optimal combination of parameters that yield components meeting stringent mechanical, structural, and performance requirements. By addressing these complex interactions, the project contributes to the development of robust process frameworks for MBJ, paving the way for its broader adoption in critical applications that demand both precision and reliability.