Accession Number:

AD1084682

Title:

Additive Manufacturing Utilizing a Novel In-Line Mixing System for Design of Functionally Graded Ceramic Composites

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Technical Report]

Corporate Author:

CCDC Army Research Laboratory

Personal Author(s):

• Pelz, Joshua
• Ku, Nicholas
• Meyers, Marc
• Vargas-Gonzalez, Lionel

Report Date:

2019-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

33

Abstract:

Additive manufacturing is being explored as a processing technique to research and develop functionally graded ceramic composites. This report highlights the development of a direct ink writing system with multimaterial and in-line mixing capabilities for printing inks composed of high solids-loaded ceramic particulate suspensions. The custom direct ink writing system has two primary components, the print head and the feed system, and interfaces with a low-cost fused-deposition modeling 3-D printer. The feed system inputs ceramic ink to the print head at a specified composition. The print head uses an auger to mix and extrude multiple inks through a single nozzle. Precise conveyance is achieved via the auger, resulting in an improved startstop response over syringe-based direct ink writing systems. Additionally, in-line mixing uniquely enables the formation of composition gradients. Silicon carbide and boron carbide composites were successfully printed with layered and gradient structures.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Ceramics, Refractories and Glass
• Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]