Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of ceramics

US10611694B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Joseph J. Beaman · Austin, US
• Desiderio Kovar · Austin, US
• David L. Bourell · Austin, US
• Deborah Hagen · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2020
• Expiry date: Jun 7, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B2235/666
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Various implementations include systems and methods for simultaneously applying an electric field and localized energy from an energy source to ceramic particles on a layer by layer basis to form a ceramic workpiece using additive manufacturing. The workpiece may be freely removed from the unsintered ceramic particles. In some implementations, the workpiece is partially densified when removed from the unsintered ceramic particles, but it may be heated until fully densified. According to some implementations, these systems and methods remove or reduce the need for binders and reduce manufacturing time.