Leak-tight ceramic 3D printing unlocks complex components for future reactors

Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists developed a breakthrough in ceramic 3D printing, creating leak-tight components by combining binder jet additive manufacturing with advanced post-processing. This innovation allows smaller printed pieces to be bonded into larger leak-proof structures, overcoming a major limitation in ceramic manufacturing. The scalable technique produces complex components that withstand extreme environments for applications in pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, aerospace, and next-generation reactors. The method is more cost-effective than traditional ceramic printing approaches while maintaining high-performance qualities for industrial use.