Continuous DLP ceramic 3D printing

Abstract

In order to resolve the problems of the low efficiency and the anisotropy of printed object in the traditional ceramic 3D printing techniques, a novel continuous digital light processing (DLP) ceramic 3D printing implemented by utilizing the combination of an oxygen-rich composite thin film and the resin-based ceramics slurry has been proposed and developed. The basic principle and the process flow of the proposed continuous ceramic 3D printing are described. Then, the ceramic slurry used for this proposed 3D printing technique is investigated and optimized, and the effects and the rules of primary process parameters on forming process are revealed by conducting a series of experiments. Finally, two typical cases are provided to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed process. As a result, a continuous DLP ceramic 3D printing has been fulfilled, which provides a promising and novel solution for high-efficiency, low-cost ceramic 3D printing.