Researchers at Princeton University have developed novel a technique for the fabrication of ceramic articles as well as a new ceramic composition. Princeton is currently seeking industrial collaborators to commercialize this technology.
Recently, solid freeform fabrication techniques have been developed for producing three-dimensional articles without the need for molds, dies, or other tooling. Prototypes of these articles are commonly manufactured using polymer-based stereolithography techniques to verify the drawings of a computer-aided-design of the 3D article before the article is prepared on a commercial scale. However, it would be desirable to make such prototypes utilizing the same composition from which the final part will be prepared so that the structural properties can be tested. Although such prototypes, in some cases, can be made from the tooling of a monolithic ceramic piece or injection molding techniques, these methods do not allow for the preparation of complicated shapes having internal features or small length scales.
The technique developed by Princeton researchers overcomes the advantages and limitations described above by utilizing a proprietary high-solids photocurable ceramic composition that allows for the rapid fabrication of a prototype article having the same dimensions and made from the same composition as the desired final part.
Patent protection is pending.
For more information please contact:
John F. Ritter Director Office of Patents and Licensing Princeton University 4 New South Building Princeton, NJ 08544-0036 (609) 258-1570 (609) 258-1159 fax jritter@princeton.edu