DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SMALL-SCALE CERAMIC 3D PRINTER

Abstract

A small-scale ceramic 3D printer received development under this project to improve traditional ceramic manufacturing through addressing three specific challenges: material waste, manufacturing precision difficulties and the limitation of creating complex shapes. A routine FDM printer became a Direct Ink Writing system through the implementation of a motor-driven screw for force delivery to create an affordable and adaptable ceramic printer solution. The system demonstrates effective material extrusion capabilities through increased control that enables ceramic components with precise structures to be produced. The approach received extensive literature review combined with 3D modeling and system building and parameter adjustment testing as well as mechanical tests to show its validity. The experiment produced devices that exhibited proper extrusion characteristics with satisfactory build potential as well as shape stability and workable compressive strength. The project succeeded in proving low-cost open-source hardware systems are suitable for ceramic additive manufacturing despite limitations in fully automating material flow control. The printing quality and reliability can be improved through future advancements that will merge real-time sensing systems with improved material compositions. The final project adds essential knowledge to the development of cost-effective and efficient ceramic 3D printing systems for research laboratories and industrial applications. Key words: Ceramic 3D printer, Direct Ink Writing (DIW), extrusion system, small-scale printer, clay materials, additive manufacturing.