Development of ceramic additive manufacturing: process and materials technology

Ceramic additive manufacturing (C-AM) is highlighted as a technology that can overcome the inherent limitations of ceramics such as processability and formability. This process creates a structure by slicing a 3D model and stacking ceramic materials layer-by-layer without mold or machining. C-AM is a technology suitable for the era of multiple low-volume because it is more flexible than conventional methods for shape complexity and design modification. However, many barriers to practical use remain due to process speed, defects, and lack of knowledge. This review focuses on studies to overcome the limitations of C-AM in terms of process and materials. The C-AM process has been advanced through various studies such as model/equation-based parameter control and high-speed sintering using external energy. Besides, by improving and fusing existing technologies, high-precision high-speed printing technology has been improved. A variety of material studies have been made of manufacturing ceramic structures with superior properties using preceramic polymers and composite materials. Through these studies, C-AM has been applied to various fields such as medicine, energy, environment, machinery, and architecture. These continued growths and diverse results demonstrate the importance and potential of C-AM based ceramic manufacturing technology.