Ink-Jet 3D Printability of Ceramic Ink with Contact Angle Control

Ink-jet printing technology, which utilizes a digitalized design to print fine ink directly on a substrate, has been of interest in various industries due to its high efficiency and adaptability to various materials. Recently, active attempts have been made to apply ceramic materials having excellent heat resistance, light resistance, and chemical resistance to the ink-jet printing process. In this study, ceramic ink was synthesized by combining ceramic pigments with UV curable polymer. 3D printability at various contact angles between ceramic ink and substrate was analyzed in detail. Rheological properties of the synthesized ceramic ink were optimized to meet the requirements of the ink-jet printing process, and the contact angle of UV curable ceramic ink was controlled through surface treatment of the substrate. The potential for additive manufacturing of ceramic material using ink-jet printing was investigated by analyzing the effect of contact angle control on ceramic ink droplets and their 3D printability.