Direct ink writing of WC-Co composite with flexible green bodies

Direct ink writing of 3D WC-Co with conformable green bodies was achieved benefiting from the highly flexible WC-Co paste with high solid loading. Rheology properties of the paste, microstructure of the 3D structure was investigated. Organic-based paste of WC-8Co with a high solid content of 91 wt% were prepared, which exhibited shear thinning behavior and had a high storage modulus, two key parameters for ensuring the smooth printing. After secondary molding, 3D WC-Co green bodies with overhanging structure and no cracks were confirmed through secondary treatment of twisting or bending. Sound 3D structures with uniform and dense microstructure were obtained after debinding and sintering in vacuum. This work showed a facile route for the fabrication of 3D bone cemented carbides by direct ink writing with flexible green bodies.