Method and apparatus for layer-by-layer inkjet printing of ceramic material

A method for layer-by-layer inkjet printing of a ceramic material, comprising the following steps:

• step 1:
• printing a first layer of a ceramic green body, and heating the first layer of a ceramic green body to achieve preliminary shaping;
• step 2:
• scanning an upper surface morphology of the heated ceramic green body and comparing the upper surface morphology with an ideal model;
• step 3:
• correcting and microstructurally engraving an upper surface of the ceramic green body according to comparison results such that hydrophilicity and roughness of the ceramic green body approach hydrophilicity and roughness of the ideal model;
• wherein
• the correcting comprises:
• comparing an actual height of a top surface of a current printing layer with a theoretical height, wherein when the actual height is less than the theoretical height, a difference between the two heights is recorded and compensated by increasing the number of printing layers;
• and when the actual height is greater than the theoretical height, ablating a top of the green body according to preset laser processing parameters to remove an excess protruding portion on the top of the green body;
• the microstructurally engraving comprises:
• to enhance structural strength of a ceramic component, using an infrared picosecond laser to scan parallel lines perpendicular to an extending direction of ridges and grooves on the upper surface of the ceramic green body, such that a scale-like structure appears on the upper surface of the ceramic green body;
• and
• to reduce surface roughness of the ceramic component, using an infrared picosecond laser to repeatedly scan the ridges until all the ridges are completely removed;
• step 4:
• repeating the steps 1 to 3, and sequentially printing the ceramic green body from bottom to top until a completed ceramic green body is obtained;
• step 5:
• removing a water-soluble support material on a surface of the ceramic green body;
• and
• step 6:
• sintering the ceramic green body to obtain a finished ceramic component.