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Direct Ink Writing of Three‐Dimensional Ceramic Structures
Author(s) -
Lewis Jennifer A.,
Smay James E.,
Stuecker John,
Cesarano Joseph
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of the american ceramic society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1551-2916
pISSN - 0002-7820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2006.01382.x
Subject(s) - ceramic , inkwell , materials science , 3d printing , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , deposition (geology) , lithography , engineering drawing , composite material , engineering , optoelectronics , geology , paleontology , sediment
The ability to pattern ceramic materials in three dimensions (3D) is critical for structural, functional, and biomedical applications. One facile approach is direct ink writing (DIW), in which 3D structures are built layer‐by‐layer through the deposition of colloidal‐ or polymer‐based inks. This approach allows one to design and rapidly fabricate ceramic materials in complex 3D shapes without the need for expensive tooling, dies, or lithographic masks. In this feature article, we present both droplet‐ and filament‐based DIW techniques. We focus on the various ink designs and their corresponding rheological behavior, ink deposition mechanics, potential shapes and the toolpaths required, and representative examples of 3D ceramic structures assembled by each technique. The opportunities and challenges associated with DIW are also highlighted.