Berlin research group develops 3D printing process for ceramic material
Ceramic materials have attractive properties for many applications, but are difficult to process. A new 3D printing process aims to change this.
3D-printed models of a moon car and a lunar module
(Image: BAM)
A moon car and an Apollo lander on a micrometer scale from the 3D printer: a new junior research group at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has developed an additive process for processing ceramic materials.
The TransNanoAF research group is developing transparent inks that contain nanometer-sized ceramic particles. This makes it possible to produce transparent objects in micro to millimeter format.
Interesting properties
Ceramic materials have various properties that make them interesting for a wide range of applications in the high-tech sector, from medical implants to heat shields in gas turbines. These include temperature resistance, chemical resistance, low electrical and thermal conductivity and wear resistance.
However, these materials are difficult to process as they are brittle and difficult to form into complex shapes. This is all the more true the smaller the components become, such as the two models in the Apollo range, which are smaller than one millimeter.
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This is set to change with the new process. "With our research, we want to open up new fields of application for the 3D printing of ceramic micro-components and bring this technology to industry," said TransNanoAF Director Johanna Sänger. "Our research offers great potential for innovation, particularly in the field of medical technology and optical components such as light guides."
(wpl)
