Gel‐Extrusion: A New Continuous Forming Technique

In recent years a variety of direct shaping methods has been developed for the near‐net shaping of ceramic powders. The main aim in developing these methods is to provide a simple route for manufacturing bulk complex‐shaped bodies with increased green resistance in order to reduce or avoid final machining, which is the most expensive step in the fabrication process. This communication reports a novel processing route for the continuous manufacture of ceramic and/or metal hollow or solid bodies based on the extrusion of aqueous suspensions that contain a small amount (< 1 wt.‐%) of a gelling additive that gelates on passing through a refrigerated die.