What Technical Ceramics Are Compatible With Additive Manufacturing?

Though the first thing that comes to mind for many when you mention ceramics is pottery or porcelain, technical ceramics are actually some of the strongest and toughest materials on Earth. Broken into two categories, oxides and non-oxides, the main difference between them is that an oxide contains at least one oxygen atom along with another element, giving it different properties. Notably, non-oxide ceramics often have better electrical conductivity and a higher degree of hardness while oxide ceramics are easier to melt and sinter, making it easier to use in manufacturing. And it should come as no surprise that it is possible to use these technical ceramics in additive manufacturing in several forms including filaments, powder and resin. In the following listing, we take a closer look at which technical ceramics are compatible with 3D printing, excluding other commonly used ceramic materials like clay, as the materials in conjunction with 3D technologies are increasingly used for applications in everything from aerospace and defense to automotive and even the biomedical field.

Oxide Ceramics

Alumina

Alumina, which is one of the technical ceramics compatible with additive manufacturing, is suitable for a wide range of applications. With a melting temperature above 2000°C, it is highly resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock. Alumina is also often chosen for its remarkable hardness, placing it just behind diamond as the hardest natural material. It is also appreciated for its resistance to corrosion, high temperatures, electrical insulation, thermal conduction and biocompatibility. It is used in major applications such as electronics (insulators), biomedical prostheses, cutting tools and aerospace.

Photo Credits: Umicore

Zirconia

Zirconium oxide, also known as zirconia, boasts outstanding mechanical properties at both low and high temperatures. With its relatively low thermal conductivity at room temperature, this material displays remarkable qualities when exposed to extreme conditions. At temperatures in excess of 1000°C, zirconia becomes an excellent electrical conductor. Its high hardness, wear resistance, chemical inertness and ability to resist attack by metals make it a material of choice for a wide range of applications, including jewelry, biomedical devices, biomedical implants (especially dental implants) and electronic equipment.