• Applications
  • 3D Printers
  • Materials
Menu
 
Laser-Induced Slipcasting

LIS Technology made simple

Lithoz's LIS technology is the top 3D molding process for producing large parts with thick walls and full densities. This innovative technique complements and accelerates conventional ceramic processes.

Laser-induced drying for high-performance ceramics

Large parts with improved wall thicknesses and full density

When it comes to size, thick walls and the processing of green parts, LIS technology is the first choice.
LIS technology comes into its own where conventional ceramic processes are costly in terms of time and money. Expensive tooling, long waiting times and time-consuming sampling are all eliminated, with the workable green part simply being returned to the familiar post-processing steps after 3D print molding.
Got questions about the LIS process?
Contact us today!
The LIS Process

© Jörg Lüchtenborg et al.; J. Ceram. Sci. Technol., 08 [4] 531-540 (2017); DOI: 10.4416/JCST2017-00091

Starting with a CAD model, the information relevant for the print job is digitally transferred directly from your computer to the CeraMax Vario.

At the beginning of each print run, a layer of water-based slurry of up to 1,000 µm is applied on the platform. A high-speed CO2 laser then selectively dries the slurry according to the layer pattern specification. Additional layers of the slurry are applied and selectively dried until a finished green body with the desired geometries has been created. At this point, the body is still in suspension.

After the last cycle, the build platform is raised, allowing the excess slurry to flow off and leaving the free-standing green body, which then undergoes the same familiar post-processing steps as in conventional ceramic manufacturing processes.

Your LIS Advantages

Saves time thanks to its rapid coating application and eliminates the need to wait for molds

With a layer height of up to 1.000µm, the CeraMax Vario V900 takes just 40 seconds to apply a layer. The waiting time for tools to be delivered is also now a thing of the past.

The enormous potential of LIS technology in terms of time-saving is also clear from the significant streamlining of the entire sampling process. Any fine-tuning of the various sampling parameters, such as filling quantities or pressing pressure, is independent of the quantity produced, while the exact calculability in the fully digitalized molding process also eliminates the need for multiple sampling.

 

  • Only 40 seconds per coating application
  • Elimination of up to 6 weeks waiting time for tools
  • Only one sample needed

 

Elimination of tooling and sampling costs

The LIS process doesn't require any tooling, avoiding not only the waiting times, but also the tooling costs. The exact calculation of shrinkage also reduces sampling to a minimum.

 

In conventional pressing processes, in order to have the customized pressing tool made for a specific component - regardless of the number of pieces - considerable tooling costs must be calculated for each modification to the component. The elimination of these costs is a significant relief, especially for small batches or prototype construction.

 

  • Elimination of any tooling costs
  • Significantly reduced sampling costs
  • Reduced energy costs thanks to one-time firing

Reduced material costs using standard slurries

Due to heat treatment by a laser, the slurries used in LIS require only 2-3% organic binder. Approved industrial standard material is therefore directly adaptable.

Water-based slurries are hardened in the LIS process via local exposure to a CO2 laser along the specific layer pattern. Since the treatment is carried out exclusively using heat and thus by vaporizing the liquid content, inexpensive industrial standard materials can be used in a slightly adapted form.

  • Adaptation of cost-effective water-based materials
  • Dark ceramics can be printed without problems
  • No debinding firing necessary
Contact our Experts
Our team will be happy to advise you on all questions relating to your application!