Description:
At a Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have created the first system capable of 3D printing ceramics without a binder, starting from a nanopowder, using a direct coagulation printing method, with an extrusion delivery system.
Abstract
Traditional manufacture of ceramics with subtractive methods is limited due to their hardness and brittleness, inevitably leading to ceramic parts with less-than-optimal geometries. With an additive manufacturing approach, ceramic parts with complex 3D geometries (such as overhands and/or hollow enclosures) become possible. Current art utilizes nanometric precursor powders (such as for slip and tape casting or abrasive polishing) to drastically improve mechanical and electrical properties. Researchers at CSU have improved upon this technique by incorporating a direct coagulation approach without the use of binders. This development makes the process more time and energy efficient and is less prone to impurities.
Advantages
* Improved sinterability
* Improved flexural strength
* Ability to print virtually any ceramic or metal in nanopowder without binders
* More time and energy efficient
* Less prone to impurities
Applications
* Heat exchangers
* Condensers
* Biomedical implants
* Chemical reactant vessels
* Electrical isolation applications
