Ceramic additive manufacturing via vat photopolymerization

Vat photopolymerization (VPP) additive manufacturing has emerged as a transformative approach for fabricating high-performance ceramic components with intricate geometries. This review comprehensively examines VPP technologies, including stereolithography, digital light processing, and two-photon polymerization, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations. Critical challenges faced by ceramic VPP include light scattering from particles, slurry viscosity control, sedimentation, and post-processing shrinkage. The required optimized characteristics suitable for VPP of ceramic slurries and pre-ceramic polymers are also discussed. The latter offers a promising alternative, enabling the shaping of complex architectures with reduced defects and enhanced thermal stability, supported by active/passive fillers that mitigate shrinkage and improve density. Ceramic VPP applications span biomedical implants, microreactors, aerospace components, and energy devices. Key advancements include the integration of multimaterial systems, hybrid precursors, and nanocomposites. However, challenges persist in achieving uniform curing depths, minimizing anisotropic shrinkage, and scaling production. Future research should focus on material innovation, process parameter optimization, and advanced characterization techniques to unlock the full potential of VPP for next-generation ceramic manufacturing. This technology offers an effective solution for high-value ceramic applications.