A Case Study in 3D Printed Porous Ceramics: Infant Incubator Humidification System

This paper describes research in adapting 3D printers to operate with low-cost ceramic materials. The components produced with these clay-based ceramic powders can be fired to produce strong, complex and lightweight ceramic parts. The final material properties, including the porosity of the parts, can be controlled through the part design and, potentially, through additives to the material that burn out during firing. The paper begins with a brief description of the 3D printing process and how it can be used with clay powders. It then introduces a factorial design experiment initiated to explore the effect of ingredient and parameter variations on the dimensional stability and material properties of green and fired ceramic parts. It then presents a case study in which 3D printed ceramic parts are used in the humidification system for an infant incubator for developing countries.