Geuntak Lee¹, Charles Manière¹, Maricruz Carrillo¹, Eugene Olevsky¹, Elisa Torresani¹; ¹San Diego State University

A novel method to fabricate fully dense ceramic complex-shape components is developed. Known additive manufacturing technologies producing complex shape components using binders, include the complex and time-consuming debinding process and render low green density products. Using the proposed combination of selective sintering and powder bed 3D printing technology, fully dense complex parts can be easily produced. The total process is composed of the following steps: 1. Fabrication of sacrificial powder mold, 2. Injection of powders or slurry to the mold, 3. Isostatic pressing of the sacrificial mold and powder assembly, and 4. Sintering. The advantage of this process regarding sinterability, grain size, process time, microstructure and industrial opportunity is discussed.