Preparation process and typical application scenarios of 3D printing ceramic materials

Technical routes for ceramic 3D printing

The current mainstream ceramic 3D printing processes include slurry photocuring (SLA derived) and binder jetting. The slurry route uses ceramic powder suspended in photosensitive resin. After printing the green body, it is degreased and then sintered at high temperature; the jet route first sprays a binder on the powder bed to solidify the powder layer, and then degreases and sinters it. The difference between the two routes lies in the geometric accuracy and the range of achievable powder types.

Control of degreasing and sintering shrinkage

The linear shrinkage of ceramic parts from green body to finished product is usually between 12% and 18%, which is determined by the powder packing density and high temperature densification process. Shrinkage cannot be ignored, and shrinkage compensation modeling must be performed during design. The sintering temperature and time are determined by the type of ceramic - alumina can reach over 1600°C, and zirconia is sintered at around 1400°C. Different process parameters have a significant impact on mechanical properties. The rapid heating section requires the gradual elimination of organic binders during the degreasing stage to avoid cracks.

Main application scenarios of ceramic parts

The value of ceramic 3D printing lies in realizing complex internal structures that are difficult to process by traditional casting and machining. In the aerospace field, ceramics are used to make engine cooling channel components; in the medical field, zirconia is used to make dental crowns and implant abutments. In the field of mold manufacturing, Ceramic master molds embedded with conformal cooling channels can significantly shorten the injection molding cycle. Conductive ceramics and bioactive ceramics also show unique advantages in their respective fields.