The AMITIE project was focused on leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for the fabrication of ceramic-based materials. The work focused more specifically on the following points corresponding to the scientific and technical WPs:
- WP2, Specifications and needs of customers (end-users) : Two questionnaires were distributed to the industrial partners of AMITIE and the results were merged to deliver a consolidated list of the necessary specifications for each industrial field under concern in AMITIE. We were able to draw a global overview of the potential markets and the current issues to overcome to boost these markets using AM in the future. In addition, multiple 3D models were exchanged among partners during AMITIE and many demonstrators were produced.
- WP3, Feedstocks development: The main objective of this WP was to develop the feedstocks necessary to implement the various ceramic AM methods targeted in AMITIE. The feedstocks included specialty powders and precursors, aerosols, pastes, inks and ceramic slurries. Significant achievements were made with an emphasis in slurry pastes for robotic assisted deposition (robocasting and direct ink writing), as well as for digital light processing (DLP).
- WP4, AM technologies: The main objective here was to demonstrate the capabilities of AM technologies in terms of complex part fabrication and also their hybridization to produce multi-material parts.
- WP5, Finishing strategies: To obey the specifications (WP2), it was necessary to apply post-treatments after shaping by AM to give to the parts their mechanical integrity, right dimension and surface state. Sintering was the first concern. Other treatments were CNC machining, robotic milling/polishing and laser ablation. Subtractive treatments were tested on raw parts before sintering.
- WP6, New or enhanced properties and design: The aim was to establish the relationship between the microstructure of sintered materials initially shaped using various AM methods and the mechanical and/or functional properties. More specifically, the idea behind was to compare the properties with those obtained using conventional shaping methods. The relationship was made upon the use of advanced analyses including high resolution electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, as well as modelling and numerical simulations.
