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The integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling and adaptive learning allows manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and precision in ceramic AM products.
Additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the manufacturing landscape exponentially. The process begins with creating a digital model using computer-aided design (CAD), slicing it into thin layers, and converting these layers into printable instructions for AM equipment. Using a diverse array of base materials including polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites, AM techniques fuse materials through either binder or energy application, marking a significant leap over traditional manufacturing methods. Due to the substantial advantages of AM technologies compared to traditional manufacturing methods including unmatched precision in creating intricate geometries, material waste reduction, and facilitation of rapid prototyping and customization, AM gained quick popularity. It has become indispensable across sectors including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods, fostering innovation and efficiency in product development and manufacturing. The capability to iterate designs swiftly and reduced time-to-market has established AM as a cornerstone of contemporary product development and manufacturing strategies.
EMERGENCE OF CERAMIC AM TECHNIQUES
Among all the AM techniques, ceramic additive manufacturing has demonstrated the potential to overcome unique challenges posed by ceramics in traditional manufacturing, such as high melting points, brittleness, and hardness. Ceramics are renowned for their resilience under extreme conditions and find extensive application across industries including biomedical, aerospace, automobile, refractory, chemical reactors, and electrical components. However, AM harnesses these properties to fabricate intricate objects layer by layer, showcasing ceramics' versatility in various applications. This not only underscores ceramics' critical role in advanced manufacturing but also navigates their complexities to deliver groundbreaking solutions.
Currently, a few techniques recognized by ASTM International are used
for 3D printing ceramics. These include: • Binder jet 3D printing involves applying a liquid bonding agent onto a bed of ceramic powder layer by layer, cured by UV light, then followed by debinding and sintering to obtain a final component. It is suitable for larger parts, but can result in high porosity.
* Stereolithography or vat photopolymerization uses a UV laser source to cure photosensitive resin with ceramic powder suspension, layer by layer. It is ideal for producing complex geometries with fine details.
* Inkjet printing is similar to binder jetting, however the major difference lies...