How did the American Professor Make Homemade Ceramic 3D Printers at Home?

Ceramic printing has been a hot topic in the 3D printing world, but only a handful of 3D printers can print it. However, the Appalachian State University professor of graphic design TaekyeomLee is to prove to people, you can print DIY ceramics at home. He made a ceramic 3D printer and used it to print exquisite artwork.

As Lee revealed, the project is beyond the scope of academic research, and he wants to explore data modeling and graphic design through 3D printing technology. He hopes to combine print, artwork, ceramics, and 3D printing. He said: "desktop machines have interested me because they don't take up too much space. With this new tool, I can make more complex shapes."

But making a 3D printer isn't easy. About a year ago, Lee purchased accessories for 3D printers and started assembling on an open source file on the internet. Although many difficulties encountered in the air sealing problem, but with a long time of hard work and great patience, he finally developed a set of extrusion system, to be able to 80psi the pressure extrusion clay materials for printing.

After the printer is finished, the treatment of clay material is also a difficult problem. Especially for the grasp of viscosity is very difficult, too dry can not be squeezed out; too soft, printed matter easily collapse. Eventually, he installed 3 small 120mm fans on the print platform, which quickly dried up the prints and prevented them from collapsing. Although not the best method, he is still improving.

According to Suzhou Ke 3D printing understand, Lee is still improving the printer, so that it can print out more complex shapes of objects. With this printer, Lee prints a lot of 3D print, artwork, and fine sculptures. At present, this printer can print clay, clay, ceramics, and even copper, clay and other materials. Of course, the clay material must be sintered to complete the final print after printing.