A novel device to simply 3D print bulk green ceramic components by stereolithography employing viscous slurries

This paper reports on a novel solution to 3D print bulk components by stereolithography with photosensitive ceramic-based slurries. We designed, realized and tested a novel apparatus, characterized by a UV transparent platform and a silicone flexible film under tension, which cures layers of ceramic slurries exploiting the “top-down” approach. This new device guarantees a precise slice thickness between the transparent wall and the mating slice, allowing the precise building of bulk green ceramic components. The device can 3D print viscous photosensitive ceramic slurries (i.e. viscosity up to 10 ​Pa ​s at 10 s−1 shear rate). Moreover, the apparatus allows for the production of complex bulk components where the adhesion forces are high. This permits to widen the range of geometrical features of 3D printed objects printable by common stereolithography.