Freeform Fabrication of Ceramics via Stereolithography

Abstract

Ceramic green bodies can be created using stereolithography methods where a ceramic suspension consisting of 0.40–0.55 volume fraction ceramic powder is dispersed within an ultraviolet‐curable solution. Three ceramic materials were investigated: silica for investment casting purposes, and alumina and silicon nitride for structural parts. After mixing the powders in the curable solution, the ceramic suspension is photocured, layer by layer, fabricating a three‐dimensional ceramic green body. Subsequent binder removal results in a sintered ceramic part. Three‐dimensional objects have been fabricated from a 0.50 volume fraction silica suspension.