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Solid Freeform Fabrication/Rapid Prototyping of Ceramics

Description: A layered fabrication method has been developed for producing ceramic components using chemical gelation of aqueous slurries. This method forms the basis for an automated solid freeform fabrication (SFF) process to convert "virtual objects" in a CAD file, to solid objects without part-specific tooling, fixturing or specialized operator intervention. The chemical gelation method developed at PNNL involves the use of aqueous slurry layers that are chemically "gelled" into a desired shape on a build table, dried and fired to give a high-density ceramic. Alumina components have been demonstrated using a semi-automated machine that prints gelling agent on layers of concentrated powder slurry containing the gelling polymer.

Point of Contact: Suresh Baskaran, (509) 375-6483