Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University installs Lithoz CeraFab Multi
It is the first such system in the US market, opening new opportunities in space research
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus has become the first institution in the United States to install the CeraFab Multi 2M30 ceramic 3D printer. The unique ceramic-based multi-material DLP system from Lithoz, a global leader in ceramic 3D printing, is going to be used for research in aerospace, lunar exploration, and energy systems.
In fact, the machine has already played a crucial role in campus projects, such as aiding the C.R.A.T.E.R. team during NASA’s Human Lander Challenge. Using the Lithoz machine, the team successfully designed bio-inspired dust-resistant surfaces modeled after hydrophobic structures like the lotus leaf. These advancements highlight the printer’s potential to address critical challenges in lunar exploration, such as mitigating dust adhesion on lunar surfaces.
Dr. Seetha Raghavan, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle, highlighted the transformative impact of the CeraFab Multi 2M30 ceramic 3D printer. “This technology allows us to manufacture ceramics with intricate geometric features at remarkable precision,” she said. “Its ability to print tailored combinations of ceramics is accelerating material design and opening new possibilities for aerospace applications.”
The installation of the CeraFab Multi 2M30 at Embry-Riddle underscores the university’s commitment to advancing aerospace research and supporting NASA’s lunar exploration goals. The printer’s capabilities are expected to drive a wide range of research initiatives, including developing wear-resistant coatings for lunar systems and functional sensors for in-situ resource utilization. These innovations are critical for sustaining long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond.
The announcement was made at the International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC), where both Lithoz and Embry-Riddle showcased the printer’s potential to redefine ceramic manufacturing. By combining precision, versatility, and scalability, the CeraFab Multi 2M30 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace technology.
