Additive Manufacturing Utilizing a Novel In-Line Mixing System for Design of Functionally Graded Ceramic Composites

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is being explored as a processing technique to research and develop functionally graded ceramic composites. This report highlights the development of a direct ink writing system with multimaterial and in-line mixing capabilities for printing inks composed of high solids-loaded ceramic particulate suspensions. The custom direct ink writing system has two primary components, the print head and the feed system, and interfaces with a low-cost fused-deposition modeling 3-D printer. The feed system inputs ceramic ink to the print head at a specified composition. The print head uses an auger to mix and extrude multiple inks through a single nozzle. Precise conveyance is achieved via the auger, resulting in an improved start/stop response over syringe-based direct ink writing systems. Additionally, in-line mixing uniquely enables the formation of composition gradients. Silicon carbide and boron carbide composites were successfully printed with layered and gradient structures.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2019
Accession Number
AD1084682

Entities

People

  • Joshua Pelz
  • Lionel Vargas-gonzalez
  • Marc A. Meyers
  • Nicholas Ku

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Assembly
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Fish
  • Fused Deposition Modeling
  • Inks
  • Liquid Crystal Displays
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Three Dimensional
  • Topology Optimization
  • Two Dimensional
  • Yield Strength

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials