Robocasting
Robocasting or Direct Ink Writing (DIW) is an additive manufacturing technique in which a filament of 'ink' is extruded from a nozzle, forming an object layer by layer. The technique was first developed in 1996 as a method to allow geometrically complex ceramic green bodies to be produced by additive manufacturing.[1] The 'ink' flows through the nozzle in a fluid-like state but sets after exiting the nozzle, exploiting the rheological property of shear thinning. It is distinct from fused deposition modelling as it does not rely on the solidification phase transformation to retain its shape after extrusion.
Uses
The technique produces non-dense ceramic bodies which are very fragile and must be sintered before they can be used for most applications, analogous to a wet clay ceramic pot before being fired. A wide variety of different geometries can be formed from the technique, from solid bars of material to intricate microscale "scaffolds".[2]
References
- ^ Stuecker, J (2004). "Advanced Support Structures for Enhanced Catalytic Activity". Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 43 (1). doi:10.1021/ie030291v.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Lewis, Jennifer (2006). "Direct Ink Writing of 3D Functional Materials". Advanced Functional Materials. 16 (17): 2193–2204. doi:10.1002/adfm.200600434.
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