Optimization of laser induced forward transfer process to print 2D and 3D BaTiO3 based patterns and structures

The study proposes the utilization of Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) for the printing of two-dimensional patterns and three-dimensional ceramic structures. The appeal of LIFT lies in its status as a laser-based rapid manufacturing technology, offering high resolution and a free nozzle technique with the capacity to print materials of diverse natures and rheological behaviours. It can also be readily integrated with other laser technologies, such as laser sintering (SLS) or laser based Stereolithography. This presents an interesting advantage for the fabrication of multi-material structures, where the distinct phases involved in the structure undergo curing under varying conditions or sinter at different temperatures. In this study, a water-based BaTiO₃ ink with a high solids content and viscosity was developed for the LIFT printing of two-dimensional patterns and three-dimensional ceramic structures. The printing process entails the transfer of material from a donor substrate to an acceptor substrate. The LIFT parameters have been optimized to facilitate the transfer of well-defined and symmetrical voxels in a first step, and then print lines, layers and layers arranged in columns to build 3D structures. Finally, after conventional sintering, the final structures exhibited good bonding between the layers, which is crucial to ensure the mechanical integrity of the printed structures.