Design and assessment of eco-friendly polymer binders for ceramic additive manufacturing

PROJECT COST:

365 982 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

160 656 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Ceramic materials are renowned for their exceptional thermal insulation, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making them indispensable for advanced applications. While injection molding remains the dominant method for producing high-precision ceramic components at scale, it is not economically viable for small production runs, such as those required in watchmaking. This limitation underscores the need for alternative manufacturing techniques that are both flexible and cost-effective.

The research project led by Dr. Pascal Vuillaume at COALIA addresses this challenge through the development of innovative polymer binders tailored for ceramic additive manufacturing. The focus lies on two promising techniques—binder jet printing and micro-extrusion from granules—which hold significant potential for enhancing both material performance and process control. By advancing binder formulations and refining additive manufacturing methods, the project seeks to enable the fabrication of high-value, high-precision ceramic parts.

This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary consortium comprising COALIA, the Centre de Transfert de Technologies Céramiques de Limoges in France, the University of Sherbrooke (non-destructive testing), and the industrial partner Fablab Inc. Beyond strengthening Quebec’s emerging expertise in ceramic additive manufacturing, the project offers international growth opportunities for the industrial partner and contributes to workforce development through the training of a doctoral student.