3d printing has evolved enormously within the last years. New areas of technical ceramics in aerospace, energy generation and construction are being opened up, but refractories are actually not part of that emerging business. But technically, 3d printing is not a single method, but a summarizing term for a variety of different manufacturing processes. These technologies vary across a broad spectrum to fulfill several needs, from fine-grained to coarse-grained particles , dense or porous bodies, as well as small to comparably large parts. So, every technique has its own pros and cons. Additionally, all this is limited by the application and needs for refractories.
This presentation gives an systematic overview of 3d printing methods suitable for the manufacturing of refractories . We show the limitations and possibilities with several technologies and materials and why it’s not “plug and play” with refractories but how the methods can be adapted to the challenges. Solutions are presented for applications which work and which are already in use today. We give examples what can be expected form a 3d printed refractory body nowadays compared to conventionally manufactured refractory materials.