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.