The Protolab 3D Printing Center of the VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava has put into operation a CeraFab L30 3D printer from Lithoz, designed for the additive manufacturing of ceramic materials.
This is the only device of this type installed in the Czech Republic, which significantly strengthens the technological background of the university and opens up new possibilities for research, development and applications of technical ceramics.
The acquisition of this unique device was made possible thanks to the project “Innovative and Additive Technologies for Sustainable Energy Industry” (reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0010117), financed from the Jan Amos Comenius Operational Program – Cross-Sectoral Cooperation for ITI call, co-financed by the European Union.
Principle of technology
The technology uses a process based on layered curing of a ceramic suspension by a controlled light source. Individual layers are gradually illuminated with a precisely defined image, which leads to their solidification and the creation of the spatial geometry of the part. After printing is completed, a multi-stage heat treatment follows - first removing organic components and then sintering - which leads to the achievement of the final properties of the ceramic material, including high density, precise dimensions and mechanical parameters typical of technical ceramics.
Opportunities for cooperation
Realization of geometrically complicated structures and components that are not achievable with traditional manufacturing processes.
Production of prototypes and experimental ceramic parts using additive methods.
Support for research and development projects focused on materials, structural elements and functional applications.
Testing and characterization of printable ceramic suspensions and related process parameters.
The installation of the CeraFab L30 device strengthens the technological infrastructure of the Protolab 3D Printing Center and brings new opportunities for cooperation with academic and industrial partners in the field of advanced ceramic technologies.