Additive manufacturing aluminum-oxide ceramics: A microstructural characterization study

This study explores the feasibility of fabricating complex-shaped alumina-oxide ceramic components using the additive fusion technology with a piston-based extrusion system. A thermoplastic suspension comprised of refractory alumina-oxide powders and a binder was employed as the feedstock material. The preheated suspension was extruded through a nozzle and deposited layer-by-layer to create the desired geometries. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography revealed an anisotropic distribution of layer thicknesses. These findings highlight the potential application of Material Extrusion with piston technology for fabricating complex ceramic components.