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Heterogeneous Composite Design and 3D Printing Parameter Optimization of Al2O3 Ceramic Triply Periodic Minimal
Wei Liu1,2, Kai Ren1,2, Jinglei Zhou1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, P. R. China.
ACS Materials Au
|July 11, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new algorithm for designing complex Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) ceramic structures with controlled porosity. Optimized digital light processing (DLP) fabrication achieved high dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Ceramic Engineering
Background:
- Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Al2O3 ceramics offer potential in biomedical, catalytic, and thermal management fields.
- Conventional homogeneous TPMS designs have limitations in meeting advanced performance needs.
- Curing depth in digital light processing (DLP) fabrication is critical for dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties but is under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an algorithm for designing complex, graded, and heterogeneous TPMS structures based on target porosity.
- To fabricate these structures using DLP with optimized process parameters.
- To evaluate the performance of the fabricated gradient-porosity TPMS scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Algorithm development for gradient porosity TPMS design.
- Vat photopolymerization-based digital light processing (DLP) for fabrication.
- Optimization of DLP process parameters.
- Characterization of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and compressive strength.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of gradient-porosity TPMS scaffolds using DLP.
- Achieved dimensional accuracy exceeding 98.5%.
- Reported surface roughness as low as 1.21 μm.
- Demonstrated compressive strength of 38.44 MPa.
Conclusions:
- The proposed algorithm enables the design of complex heterogeneous TPMS structures.
- Optimized DLP parameters are crucial for high-performance ceramic TPMS fabrication.
- Findings offer valuable insights for designing and manufacturing advanced ceramic TPMS components.
