Slurry deposition by airbrush for selective laser sintering of ceramic components

To obtain ceramic components of high density by means of laser sintering, a high density of the green-compact is necessary. This is a problematic aspect when using ceramic granulates. We present a new procedure based on an airbrush spraying technique using slurries of high solid content. Alumina as well as zirconia slurries were developed and optimized for the process. After the layer-wise airbrush deposition of slurry, the microstructure of green, sintered and laser sintered samples were analyzed using SEM. On the basis of the high density of the green-compact achieved the described technique could be used for individual production of laser sintered structural ceramic components.