Freeform fabrication of ceramics

Abstract

Fabrication of ceramic objects by solid freeform fabrication (SFF) techniques is reviewed, with emphasis on ceramic versions of commercial rapid prototyping (RP) methods. A wide range of ceramics have been demonstrated, including aluminium oxide, silica, hydroxyapatite, silicon nitride, and lead zirconate titanate, with techniques based on extrusion, ink jet deposition, green tape lamination, and photopolymerisation. The quality of SFF ceramics compares well with conventionally processed ceramics.