Material Extrusion of 3D Printed Ceramics Parts: Parameters, Structures and Challenges

Abstract

AM technologies have been developed for different applications in sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, or healthcare. Additionally, the range of materials that can be 3D printed has increased considerably since these technologies began to be used in the 80s of the XXth century. Nowadays, it is possible to use both polymers and composite materials (ceramic-filled, metal-filled, etc.) in extrusion technologies, both with fused filament fabrication (FFF) and with direct ink writing (DIW). Unfortunately, even though 3D printing technologies offer much more freedom than conventional manufacturing technologies (molding, machining, etc.), before printing it is necessary to optimize the process, regarding the printing parameters that are recommended with each material. In addition, post-processing techniques are often required. This study aims to show not only the different parameters that are to be considered to optimize material extrusion 3D printing of ceramic materials, mainly regarding dimensional accuracy and surface finish, but also the types of structures that can be manufactured, as well as the challenges that are nowadays faced regarding 3D printing of ceramics.