Optimisation of design of novel metal and ceramic 3D printer

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This project will optimise the design of an innovative 3D printer that can create metal and ceramic objects at a fraction of the cost provided by current methods. In doing so, it has the opportunity to enable virtually anyone to make custom metal and ceramic objects. The 3D printer will enable engineers, designers and entrepreneurs to create and manufacture their own custom products quickly, economically and with low energy use. This concept has been invented by Photocentric, based in Peterborough, who have already patented and commercialised a novel 3D printer to print plastic parts. This patent applied-for process, developed in the UK, uses a normal high resolution display screen, such as an HDTV, to create images that harden layers of specially formulated resins filled with very small metal or ceramic particles. The light hardens the liquid layer to create a custom shape and by then moving up a layer thickness at a time can create designs with geometries impossible to create by injection moulding. The process is finished by heating it in a kiln, leaving just the solid metal or ceramic material fused together. The first desktop printers using this technology are planned to be avilable in March 2018 costing under £5000.