Recent developments in the field of additive manufacturing of ceramic-based multi-material components open the door to highly functionalized components

Abstract The properties of components are all based on three key aspects: the materials used, the component geometry, and the surface finish. Material selection is of critical importance, as each class of materials—polymers, metals, ceramics, or glass—exhibits different properties. As applications become more complex, the need for material combinations increases, leading to the development of functionally graded materials (FGMs) that enable multifunctionality through compositional gradients. Ceramic materials exhibit exceptional thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties, making them indispensable in many industries. However, challenges in the ceramic process chain include debinding and sintering, as well as the difficulty of post-processing sintered ceramics due to their hardness and brittleness. Geometric functionalization improves the performance of a component through shape and microstructure modifications. Advanced manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing (AM) enable complex geometries. AM is a game changer, especially for ceramics that are difficult to machine. By directly generating highly complex geometries, geometric functionalization can be combined with the outstanding properties of ceramic materials, significantly reducing the need for post-processing. Functionalization can be further increased by AM of multi-material components. Multi-material jetting (MMJ) facilitates the production of multi-functional and multi-material components through selective material deposition. This method has been successfully used to produce heatable ceramic tools, reactors, and mixers with integrated temperature control, which can increase efficiency in the various processes. The integration of algorithmic design and AI is essential for managing the increasing complexity of geometries and optimizing manufacturing processes. Data-driven methods and advanced geometric descriptions are indispensable. Continuous progress in CerAM will improve quality, reduce costs, and improve our understanding of interactions in the ceramic process chain.