Porous Ceramic Filters through 3d Printing

This paper describes current and on-going work in adapting Z-Corp 3D printers to operate with low-cost ceramic materials. The components produced with these clay-based ceramic powders can be fired to produce strong, complex and lightweight ceramic parts. The final material properties, including the porosity of the parts, can be controlled through the part design and, potentially, through additives to the material that burn out during firing. The paper begins with a brief description of the 3D printing process and how it can be used with clay powders. It then introduces a factorial design experiment initiated to explore the effect of ingredient and parameter variations on the dimensional stability and material properties of green and fired ceramic parts. It then explores the porosity properties of fired ceramic parts for use in filter applications.