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