Additive manufacturing of ceramic materials. An overview

The publication provides general information on additive manufacturing technologies based on seven types of processes: photopolymerization in a bath, inkjet application of a material, inkjet application of a binder, sheet lamination, extrusion of a material, direct supply of energy and material, synthesis on a substrate. It is shown that all 3D printing technologies of ceramics can be divided into two groups: single-stage (direct) and multi-stage (indirect). The first group includes only direct energy or material supply (DED) and substrate synthesis (PBF). All other processes are multi-step. Multi-stage indirect additive manufacturing processes are more suitable for producing products with higher technical characteristics, while single-stage technologies make it possible to produce ceramic parts faster. The main methods of additive manufacturing of ceramic products are also presented, their principles, advantages and disadvantages are described. The groups of ceramic and composite materials produced by 3D printing and their properties are given. It is shown that with the help of additive manufacturing, technical ceramics are manufactured that do not have internal defects and have high density and mechanical properties similar to those of products made using other «classical» technologies. A material with enhanced properties can be produced by optimizing the parameters of the 3D printing process or by performing additional mechanical sealing steps after the molding is completed. The products obtained are widely used in such areas of the national economy as the space industry, non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, medicine, etc. The review article also lists the main players in the market of additive manufacturing of technical and decorative ceramics. Ill. 1. Ref. 237. Tab. 3.