When it comes to ceramics, people first think of pottery or porcelain, but in fact, ceramics are inorganic materials other than metals and organic materials, including non-metallic elements and inorganic compounds. High-performance ceramics (fine ceramics) are one of the strongest and hardest materials on the earth. Ceramics are divided into two categories: oxides and non-oxides, and their properties are determined by the composition of elements. Non-oxide ceramics have higher electrical conductivity and hardness, while oxide ceramics are easier to melt and sinter, making them more suitable for manufacturing.
Oxide Ceramics
Alumina is a functional ceramic that is suitable for additive manufacturing, with high temperature, high hardness, high resistance, and various applications. It is widely used in electronics, medical, industrial, and aviation fields. | |
Zirconia | Zirconia is a material with excellent mechanical properties, which is stable at both low and high temperatures, and has low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity. It is used in jewelry, medical, and electronic fields because of its high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. |
Silica ceramics | Silicone-based ceramics are a kind of ceramic material for additive manufacturing, mainly composed of silica, suitable for casting cores. It has porosity, which makes it easy to remove and clean. It is also strong, and able to withstand pressure and high temperature. Except for cobalt alloys, it can be used for all alloys. |
Alumina-zirconia composite material | Alumina is an important component of clay and porcelain. Zirconia is as hard and durable as diamond. The mixture of alumina and zirconia is a special ceramic, used for industrial and medical purposes. Alumina-reinforced zirconia is suitable for dentistry because it has high hardness and toughness. It is also suitable for making dental implants and parts because it has high biocompatibility, heat resistance, and wear resistance. |
Non-oxide ceramics
Boron carbide (B4C) | Boron carbide (B4C) is a very hard material, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride. This ceramic is wear-resistant, pressure-resistant, heat-resistant, light and non-conductive. It is mainly used in aerospace (nozzles), nuclear energy or bulletproof armor, and other fields. In additive manufacturing, it can exist as a filament or powder form. |
Silicon nitride | Silicon nitride is a natural ceramic that can be used for additive manufacturing. It is made by heating silicon powder in nitrogen gas. It has the advantages of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and crack resistance. It is also a light, stable, and insulating material that does not adhere to molten metals. It has wide applications in fields such as semiconductors, valves, pumps, and heating pipes. |
Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a chemical compound of aluminum and nitrogen, with properties such as high thermal conductivity, high electrical insulation, and significant mechanical strength. These properties make it a preferred choice for the electronics industry, especially the microelectronics industry. Aluminum nitride is often used in semiconductor structures and as a heat sink in LED technology. Another advantage is that it is resistant to plasma and safe to use in processing. | |
Silicon carbide | Silicon carbide is a durable compound similar to diamond, with various derivatives. They are all functional ceramics, suitable for additive manufacturing. They have high thermal conductivity, heat shock resistance, and wear resistance. Silicon carbide is corrosion-resistant, hard, and high-temperature resistant, used in automotive and energy fields. They are used to make heating systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and other parts. |
3D printing of functional ceramic materials is rapidly progressing and expanding its applications. These materials possess exceptional physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, making them ideal for various industries. From electronics to healthcare and aerospace, 3D-printed functional ceramics are already making a significant impact, with even more potential for growth. Despite facing challenges, ongoing advancements in materials science and manufacturing techniques promise exciting innovations in this field.
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