Solid freeform fabrication of ceramics

In this review, the author suggests that solid freeform fabrication is an e xtension of conventional manufacturing technology (made possible by advance s in computing and automated shaping machinery). That is, the basic unit op erations and the layered-assembly strategy have long histories, what is new is the automation thereof It is further suggested that the key process con trol variables that arise when SSF is applied to ceramics are of a characte r that is familiar to ceramic processing in general. It is speculated that thoughtful extension of green machining practices may erode the current pos ition of assembly-based approaches to SFF. Lastly, one under-explored appli cation area for SFF is identified as the: production of test specimens with unique and highly-controlled microstructure fur scientific testing. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.