Ceramic 3D Printing: A Revolution within Additive Manufacturing?

The origin of the use of ceramics goes back to ancient Greece, initially created for the creation of pots or plates for food, and based on clay cooked at temperatures of up to 500ºC. Later, around the 19th century, the attributes of these materials were discovered in the industry: mainly as thermal and electrical insulators in motors. Due to its long history, the advent of ceramic 3D printing was to be expected, as ceramic materials have mechanical properties and high-resolution geometries that could not have been possible to exploit with traditional techniques.

A few months ago, during the second report of the firm Smartech Publishing, the latest report on the evolution of ceramic 3D printing was presented. It stated that in 2028 this industry will generate up to $3.6 billion worldwide. Although it is not yet as well established as plastic technologies or even metal additive manufacturing, it has a great future. According to the report, 3D printing of ceramics will reach maturity in 2025 spreading as a manufacturing technique in different industries.

Credits: Smartech Publishing

Evolution of a new ceramic technology

Historically, clay has been the most commonly used material when it comes to manufacturing ceramic materials, largely due to the fact that it is a natural material that is easy to find in almost any environment. As the materials have evolved, more manufacturing possibilities have arrived. There are currently different types of ceramics: the most common are those we use in the domestic environment: in crockery, tiles, etc. On the other hand we have structural ceramics, used in construction such as tiles or bricks; refractory ceramics used in cladding; and technical ceramics, materials with great mechanical, thermal, chemical and electrical resistance. This last type does not include clay, and is especially valued in industries such as automotive or aerospace.