Multi-material ceramic material extrusion 3D printing with granulated injection molding feedstocks

Material Extrusion (MEX) is an advanced technology for polymer 3D printing and countless printers are commercially available. MEX has also been demonstrated ceramics. For that purpose, thermoplastic binders filled with high loads (>40 vol%) of a ceramic powder. The printed parts subsequently debound sintered. In contrast to most printers, the printer presented herein works granulated feedstock instead filaments. Therefore, development novel feedstocks faster more straightforward since challenges associated filament production omitted. Furthermore, commercial injection molding (CIM) can be used which allows fast prototyping same material later in high-quantity industrial by CIM. this study, method fabricate multi-material using granulate-fed presented. Examples include colored ZrO 2 as well high-temperature heating elements various shapes consisting electrically conductive non-conductive component. Light- electron microscopy confirms layer adhesion before after sintering flawless, even between different materials if combination chosen carefully. All based on available CIM binder desired Consequently, preparation optimizing debinding conditions simple reproducible.