Development of a rapid prototyping process chain for the production of ceramic microcomponents

Cost-intensive and time-consuming manufacturing of new miniaturized or micropatterned ceramic components may profit decisively from the use of rapid prototyping processes. However most known generative processes do not provide a sufficient resolution for the fabrication of microdimensional or micropatterned components or are restricted to polymer materials. In contrast to this, a rapid prototyping process chain (RPPC), which combines e.g., micro stereolithography and a low-pressure shaping method using soft molds, allows the rapid manufacturing of ceramic microcomponents from functional models to preliminary or small lot series.