Additive manufacturing

3D printing of ceramics…

The aim of additive manufacturing or “fast prototyping” is to manufacture parts by adding material; the opposite of “conventional” or “subtractive” processes whose aim is to manufacture parts by deforming them or by removing material.

One of the advantages of this method is its ability to produce highly complex, three-dimensional components.

3D files which must make allowance for shrinkage after firing

The additive manufacturing of ceramics uses the same methods as those developed for plastic and metal parts. However, when creating the CAD file, allowance must be made for shrinkage and possible deformation of the material during the firing phase.

It is thus essential to work with a material with known and controlled properties in order to avoid any unexpected phenomena when manufacturing and firing.

The importance of the formulation

This is where our expertise in formulation is invaluable! We can develop new materials, tailored to the client’s requirements specification, and adapt them to this process.

The printing of blue ceramic parts by Nanoceram

Nanoceram has developed a formulation containing a blue pigment and has integrated it into a specific material with a view to producing blue ceramic parts using an additive manufacturing process.