Robocasting Enterprises LLC, spun out from research done at the Sandia National Laboratories, produces a variety of functional ceramic and composite components using three-dimensional printing. The firm has produced millions of parts and transformed robocasting from a prototyping process into a true manufacturing process. The process is particularly suitable for the production of intricate lattice structures as alternatives to reticulated foams for filtration, catalysis, heat dispersion, mixing, lightweight structures and composites. Standard and custom labware can be fabricated into products specifically designed to meet the demands of laboratory and experimental conditions. For example, crucibles with port-holes or channels for thermocouples are feasible, as well as spindles for mixing molten salts. Small, intricate crucibles and fixtures for thermal analysis are proving to be very valuable. The mass is greatly reduced compared with injection-molded products, and these consumables can be tailored to consumers specifications. Furthermore, there are many material options. High-purity alumina, zirconia, aluminosilicates and other oxides, carbides, nitrides, metals and composites have been demonstrated. Robocasting was selected by Chemical & Engineering News as one of the best materials developments in 2002.
