A novel ceramic printing technique based on electrostatic atomization of a suspension

Abstract

A novel computer-controlled method of depositing ceramic droplets, according to a pre-determined architecture is described. A 21 vol% alumina suspension flowing through a nozzle was subjected to electrostatic atomization in the cone-jet mode at different applied voltages. By using a point-like ground electrode the resulting spray was focused and printed on a substrate placed between the nozzle and the ground electrode. The substrate was moved with the aid of a 2-axis computer controlled stepper motor driven system which enabled the forming of different ceramic architectures. As an example, the word CERAMIC was printed. At an applied voltage of 10 kV, droplet relics in the print were in the size range 30–60 μm.