Materials Research & Measurement Needs for Ceramics Additive Manufacturing

Despite growing interest in additive manufacturing (AM) for ceramics, the field remains underdeveloped compared to polymer and metal AM. Prior research has shown that ceramic AM offers unique advantages, including complex geometries and reduced material waste. However, the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to industrial adoption faces significant hurdles. No prior work had resolved the full spectrum of materials and measurement challenges specific to ceramic AM. That uncertainty drove the need for a focused workshop to identify critical gaps. The lack of standardized metrology tools and post-processing protocols has limited scalability. While some ceramic AM methods have been tested, their commercial viability remains unclear. This gap motivated experts to convene and assess the state of the field. The goal was to align research priorities with industrial needs.

The purpose of the workshop was to evaluate the current state of ceramic AM and identify the most urgent research and measurement challenges. The meeting aimed to bridge the divide between academic research and industrial application. Participants sought to define the barriers preventing widespread adoption of ceramic AM. The focus was on materials science and metrology issues that could be addressed to accelerate commercialization. The event brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry. The goal was to prioritize research areas that would have the greatest impact. The discussions included both AM technologies and necessary post-processing steps. The outcome was intended to guide future research and policy decisions.

The workshop employed an all-invited format to ensure expert participation. Experts from academia, industry, and government agencies were selected to contribute. The meeting was structured to include presentations and panel discussions. The primary focus was on identifying applied materials research needs. Metrology challenges were also a central topic of discussion. The discussions covered both AM technologies and post-processing requirements. The event was hosted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The goal was to synthesize insights from multiple sectors into actionable recommendations.

The workshop highlighted several key challenges in ceramic AM, including material limitations and post-processing requirements. Participants identified the need for standardized metrology tools to assess ceramic AM quality. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding material behavior during printing. The event underscored the lack of industry-wide standards for ceramic AM. Post-processing steps such as sintering and surface finishing were identified as critical barriers. The meeting proposed that collaboration between sectors could accelerate progress. Some successes in ceramic AM were noted, including improved design flexibility. The participants suggested that targeted research could address the most pressing issues.

The workshop concluded that addressing materials and metrology challenges could significantly advance ceramic AM. The authors suggest that collaboration between academia, industry, and government is essential. The proposed actions aim to facilitate the commercialization of ceramic AM methods. The findings suggest that standardized protocols could improve adoption. The authors propose that focused research on post-processing could yield practical benefits. The event highlighted the need for a coordinated research agenda. The participants suggest that progress depends on resolving current technical barriers. The conclusions emphasize the importance of aligning research with industrial needs.