Kyocera advances 3D printing of SiSiC components
Silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) is a high-performance ceramic material with exceptional mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, rigidity, and high wear resistance
KYOCERA, a ceramic manufacturer in Mannheim, Germany, has introduced a process for the additive manufacturing of components made of silicon carbide (SiSiC) at its Selb location in Germany – expanding its portfolio in the technical high-performance ceramics sector.
“The introduction of additive manufacturing is a milestone for our company,” said Dr. Carsten Rußner, President of KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH. “It brings up new potential for us in terms of development and application as well as strategic positioning in the market.”
Silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) is a high-performance ceramic material with exceptional mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, rigidity, and high wear resistance. SiSiC is ideal for demanding areas of application such as aerospace, the semiconductor industry, and industrial production, particularly due to its barely measurable thermal expansion. Kyocera processes both StarCeram Si, used for conventional processes, and StarCeram AM-Si, developed for 3D printing, independently – both materials are characterized by comparable material properties.
The process is generally based on a two-stage procedure: First, a green part is created from silicon carbide powder and polymer binder using the binder jetting process. This is then infiltrated with molten silicon, which reacts with the remaining carbon to form the final SiSiC structure.
“This advancement is the result of intensive research and development work,” said Sarah Diener, Team Leader for Additive Manufacturing at KYOCERA. “We look forward to creating added value for our customers through the production of complex component geometries.”
“Additive manufacturing enables us to react flexibly to dynamic market requirements,” said Dr. Nikolaos Katsikis, Director of Research and Development at KYOCERA. “We see great added value for our customers, particularly when it comes to large and complex components – especially when we are able to provide optimisation support through our design consulting.”
The multi-stage production process was specially developed for large-volume and complex components. The maximum component size is 325 x 270 x 130 mm with wall thicknesses from 3 mm. The elimination of green machining, time-consuming programming times, and the manufacture of tools for machining enables particularly short production times and the production of large quantities.
