Ink jet printing of alumina suspensions in liquid wax

Journal article

This paper reports on our recent achievements, using a hot-melt ink system, towards the fabrication of ceramic bodies by controlled droplet deposition. Key factors for jetting were identified and the rheological behaviour of fairly concentrated particulate suspensions was optimised to match the window of print-head operation. As a demonstrator, several unfired objects containing 30 vol.% colloidal Al2O3 dispersed in paraffin were fabricated, using a three-dimensional inkjet plotter primarily developed for rapid prototyping. This platform is currently being improved to allow the fabrication of shapes with higher particulate contents. Preliminary studies using a 75 mum orifice diameter inkjet print-head have produced encouraging results.

Authors: Reis, N; Seerden, K; Grant, P; Derby, B; Evans, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: CERAMICS: FROM PROCESSING TO PRODUCTION
• Issue: 62
• Pages: 39-47
• Publication date: 2001-01-01
• ISSN: 0268-4373
• Language: English
• Keywords: RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES; MICROFABRICATION; SOLIDIFICATION; CHIP; CERAMIC GREEN BODIES; DEPOSITION; FABRICATION; SOLDER