Freeform fabrication of Ti3SiC2 powder-based structures: Part I—Integrated fabrication process

Ti3SiC2 carbide represents a new class of ceramics with unique electrical and mechanical properties. This paper presents a development of using three-stage fabrication process, i.e., three-dimensional layered printing, cold isostatic pressing, and sintering processing to freeform fabrication of three-dimensional Ti3SiC2 structures with complex geometry and high density. The three-stage fabrication process and their integration are described. Results of different processes and their effects on the geometric shrinkage and structural density of fabricated Ti3SiC2 components are presented and compared. Current studies reveal that the developed three-stage process was capable of fabricating fully dense (density>99%) structures with complex geometries based on pre-coated Ti3SiC2 powder.