The material
Silicon carbide (SiSiC)
Silicon carbide (SiSiC) is a high-performance ceramic material known for its hardness, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. It is used in demanding industrial applications where wear resistance and high temperatures are critical.
In binder jet 3D printing, SiC powder is selectively bound layer by layer using a carbon-based binder. After printing, the part is cured and removed as a porous “green body.” It is then heat treated and densified through silicon infiltration or chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), resulting in a dense silicon carbide component. This process enables complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce with conventional methods such as pressing or machining. Internal channels, lattice structures, and custom designs can be manufactured directly from digital files, without tooling. This reduces lead times and allows fast iteration between designs.
Material and binder systems can be adjusted depending on application needs. Fine powders are typically used for high-density applications such as semiconductors and aerospace, while coarser powders are used where wear resistance and thermal performance are the priority. Binder systems can also be tailored depending on requirements. SiSiC components can be produced on both the Armadillo and Elephant platforms, supporting both large parts and smaller series production. The result is a flexible manufacturing route for silicon carbide components, combining design freedom with industrial performance.
