‘Instant cure’ 3D printed ceramic shatters expectations

3D printing can make a range of products, from plastic novelties to entire houses. But one material has been hard (pun intended) to print: ceramics. It is possible to print ceramics, however the support material hardens as much as the print itself, making its removal extremely difficult. Now, a team of researchers from Jiangnan University have created a 3D printable ceramic paste that cures almost instantly, allowing complex structures to be made without the fear of breaking them just trying to extricate them from the printer. <br> <br>The new technique uses a photosensitive paste and a near-infrared light, which improves upon the ultraviolet light that had been tried in the past. The team even released a video of them printing some rather curvy and delicate structures. However, before you start thinking this might be the start of a cheap range of bathroom fixtures, we’re talking small springs and fittings here, not fancy 3D printed novelty toilets. <br> <br>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Freedom over censorship, truth over narrative. <br>Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTnews <br>Follow us on Telegram: t.me/rtnews <br>Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RT_com