CERAMIC 3D PRINTING: COMPARISON OF SLA AND DLP TECHNOLOGIES

Complex ceramic parts tend to be difficult or even impossible to produce by conventional methods. Therefore, the 3D printing technologies have started to spread widely in the area of ceramic parts production. The aim of this paper is to compare the efficiency of Stereolithography and Digital Light Processing technologies in 3D printing of ceramic parts. Firstly, indicative chemical analysis was performed on a chosen ceramic suspension. Secondly, sample parts of different shapes were designed and printed using both technologies. Next, printed samples were analyzed using thermogravimetric and optical analyses. Finally, printed parts were debound and sintered, and final ceramic parts were consequently reanalyzed. Both technologies show the best results in the printing of thin-walled and hollow models. The DLP was significantly faster, especially when the printing platform was close to full occupancy.