Additive Manufacturing of Nano Diamond Silicon Carbide (NanoDiaSiC)

Product description: Increasing demands on systems in various industries such as metrology, semiconductors or the tool industry require complex geometries of the components and improved material properties. Components made of ceramics are often produced via casting processes. However, these processes have severe geometric limitations, which is why more complex components are only accessible through post-processing methods such as milling. In this process, unneeded elements of the component are removed and discarded. Particularly in the case of very rare and expensive materials, this process does not conserve many resources.

In the NanoDiaSiC joint project, therefore, a 3D printing process is to be developed by which complex ceramic geometries can be built up. In addition, properties such as thermal conductivity, stiffness, hardness, abrasion resistance and thermal expansion can be specifically adjusted by adding diamonds.

The six collaborative partners represent the entire value chain for the target components, from design to manufacturing and finishing to final testing. By using the 3D printing process, several process steps of conventional ceramic manufacturing methods can be saved. The shape of complex components can be preserved during production. The reduced waste and savings in process steps help to protect the environment and increase economic efficiency. Successful project completion could strengthen Germany's position as a globally respected tool manufacturer.

Duration: 01/2019 - 06/2022

Funding: BMBF

Project partners: H.C. Starck Ceramics GmbH, Berliner Glas KgaA, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, ServSix GmbH, ZmartPart GmbH, ELGAN-Diamantwerkzeuge Gmbh & Co. KG

Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Georg Puchas