Indirect solid freeform fabrication by binder assisted slip casting

A method has been developed for the consolidation of ceramic bodies in molds prepared by solid freeform fabrication. The method is based on slip casting with an added latex binder. The latex binder makes it possible to create internal structures, such as pore channels, without the cracking that usually takes place when shrinkage is obstructed by internal mold structures. The latex binder adds plasticity to the consolidating body in the wet state. This was observed by rheological measurements during slip casting. Measurements of mechanical properties showed that the latex binder also adds plasticity and strength in the dry state.