Direct Ink Writing of Three‐Dimensional Ceramic Structures

TLDR

Patterning ceramic materials in three dimensions is essential for structural, functional, and biomedical applications, and direct ink writing offers a facile, layer‑by‑layer method that enables rapid fabrication of complex shapes without costly tooling. This article presents droplet‑ and filament‑based direct ink writing techniques and discusses the opportunities and challenges of the method. The authors examine ink formulations, rheological properties, deposition mechanics, toolpath strategies, and provide representative 3D ceramic structures for each DIW technique.

Abstract

The ability to pattern ceramic materials in three dimensions (3D) is critical for structural, functional, and biomedical applications. One facile approach is direct ink writing (DIW), in which 3D structures are built layer‐by‐layer through the deposition of colloidal‐ or polymer‐based inks. This approach allows one to design and rapidly fabricate ceramic materials in complex 3D shapes without the need for expensive tooling, dies, or lithographic masks. In this feature article, we present both droplet‐ and filament‐based DIW techniques. We focus on the various ink designs and their corresponding rheological behavior, ink deposition mechanics, potential shapes and the toolpaths required, and representative examples of 3D ceramic structures assembled by each technique. The opportunities and challenges associated with DIW are also highlighted.