Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Solid freeform fabrication of aqueous alumina (Al2O3)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gelcasting suspensions was carried out using a computer-controlled extrusion apparatus fitted with a two-nozzle delivery system. The impact of casting parameters (e.g., tip diameter, mixing rate, etc.) and suspension composition on line resolution/uniformity, printability, and as-cast component properties was probed using laser profilometry and optical microscopy. Line uniformity depended on mixing rate (Rmix) and tip diameter (td) for the chamber and paddle geometry utilized. These data were used to establish processing maps that identify optimal print conditions for varying suspension composition.