The extrusion freeforming of functional ceramic prototypes

Extrusion freeform fabrication (EFF) and fused deposition of ceramics (FDC) processes ave established extrusion-based freeforming techniques capable o f fabricating complex shaped monolithic ceramic prototypes by the sequentia l deposition and solidification of green ceramic feedstock. In these proces ses, ceramic parts are produced using a commercially available Stratasys 3- D Modeler retrofitted ed with modified extrusion heads suitable for extrudi ng ceramic materials. The manufactured objects have good dimensional tolera nces as well as engineering compositions and microstructures. The process i s flexible and can be used for different monolithic ceramic materials such as silicon nitride, alumina, and zirconia.