3D printing service provider Shapeways has announced a new porcelain material for 3D printing, which has been developed during the past year and a half. Following their customers requests for ceramics that are faster, more durable, more functional and more colourful, Shapeways set up a R&D taskforce to create such a product.
In collaboration with Dr. Stuart Uram of Core Cast Ceramics an innovative process for 3D printed porcelain products has been developed.
“By combining the SLS printers that produce our Strong and Flexible Plastic with an innovative porcelain casting process, we can create detailed and durable products that are fired and glazed just like conventional ceramics.” This means that the porcelain is not actually being 3D printed but cast into molds that are created on Shapeways Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machines.
The key benefits of the new material are:
- Amazing Colors – From cobalt blue to matte black, 3D Printed Porcelain will be available in classic colors that call upon the porcelain tradition.
- Durable & Functional – Porcelain is dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe. You can even make baking dishes and pizza stones!
- Gorgeous Detail – Porcelain enables you to design with very high detail and thin, translucent glazes.
- Big & Bold – The strength enables thick and larger products, so we’ll be able to help you scale to the whims of your imagination.
For now the 3D printed porcelain will be available to a small group of experienced designers with the goal of improving the process an design guidelines. As soon as this methods is able to deliver exceptional results it will be made available to all of Shapeways’ customers.
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