High-Throughput Synthesis Device of Ceramic Resins for Additive Manufacturing
Problem statement
The HERD lab is researching ways to produce ceramic electrolytes with non-planar geometries for use in advanced batteries and fuel cells. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing can create complex shapes using a UV laser and ceramic resin. However, developing custom resins that cure properly is challenging due to the trade-off between maintaining suitable viscosity and achieving high solid loading to minimize defects. Currently, resins are tested through a trial-and-error process that requires producing large batches and printing test parts. When these resins fail, large amounts of material is wasted, and research progress is slowed. A more efficient method is needed to evaluate resin formulation without committing large amounts of time and resources. We intend to develop a benchtop device that can automatically prepare small batches of ceramic resins with varying proportions of raw materials and test them for key properties. This will allow for the identification of resin formulations with the greatest potential for successful curing in SLA printing, while minimizing wasted material and time.
Team members
Benjamin Sullivan – facilitator
Charles Blackwell – admin
Connor Hust – accountant
Cole Oertel – communicator
Client
Luca Mastropasqua
UW – Mechanical Engineering