Study of mixing process of low temperature co-fired ceramics photocurable suspension for digital light processing stereolithography

Ceramics International, Volume 47, Issue 11, Pages 15931 – 15938, 1 June 2021

This work presents the development of a photocurable suspension for Digital Light Processing Stereolithography (DLP-SLA) technology using Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) materials. LTCC materials are commonly used for high-frequency devices in high-speed data communications, making them an attractive option for electronic applications with direct industrial applicability. The LTCC suspension was prepared with an optimal solid load of 40.4 vol% and characterised by its rheological behaviour, dispersant content, particle size distribution, and photocuring properties in a visible light range. The study also investigated the effect of ball milling on particle size and its impact on viscosity and photocuring behaviour. The optimal mixing range time was determined, emphasising the importance of standardisation in manufacturing photocurable suspensions. The optimized suspension exhibited a viscosity of 3.6 Pa·s at a shear rate of 2 s⁻¹, a sensitivity of 41 μm, and a critical energy dose of 15 mJ cm⁻². The production of defect-free printed pieces demonstrated the successful printing process.