Is it possible to create porcelain products using additive manufacturing techniques supported by Artificial Intelligence and Mixed Reality systems?
This is the question that arises and that the LaserCer project aims to answer. Throughout the project, efforts will focus on investigating and validating the use of Selective Laser Sintering technologies integrated with advanced computational technologies.
What is LaserCer?
The LaserCer project aims to promote the digital transformation of the ceramic business sector, which is supported by a robust production system but still relies on conventional manufacturing processes that are common to several companies and ceramic subsectors.
The project intends to investigate and validate the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies integrated with advanced computational technologies in the design and production process, with the goal of creating disruptive products in the porcelain sector through optimized manufacturing processes. In this way, the project seeks to innovate the design and manufacturing process of porcelain pieces by employing AM technologies, in this case, Selective Laser Sintering, supported by AI systems and Mixed Reality.
Why use Additive Manufacturing technologies?
Costa Verde was a pioneer in studying and researching the applicability of AM technologies in the context of tableware porcelain, actively contributing to the development of these technologies through projects such as RoboCer and Printcer3D. This made it possible to explore the flexibility of producing products with complex and disruptive geometries using robocasting and binder jetting technologies. Within the present project, the goal is to once again drive the growth of AM for ceramic materials produced by SLS, taking advantage of the diversity of available materials and creating opportunities for the development of new materials with specific properties.
In particular, AM technologies are strongly rooted in digital innovation, as they are, by definition, technologies that enable the construction of real models from virtual data through “layer-by-layer” fabrication principles. This gives rise to numerous fields of study, whether in materials, robotics, programming, or automation, that are directly related to AM, as well as others indirectly connected, such as value chain optimization, recycling, reuse, and design.
In the porcelain sector, AM technologies also offer a unique relationship between technology and author-driven design, due to their potential for manufacturing unique, sculptural, organic pieces, as well as functional geometries. They break away from conventional production processes, thereby expanding the creative freedom of product designers.
Technologies used
Indirect SLS
The indirect SLS (iSLS) technology is a laser sintering method that uses polymer binders and porcelain powders, enabling the production of thin parts with complex geometries.
AI and Mixed Reality
The development of specific digital tools to support the design of ceramic products for AM technologies is a significant advantage for the porcelain sector, with particular focus on emerging computational technologies based on AI or Mixed Reality (Virtual/Augmented Reality – VR/AR).
Project Goals
Innovation in the product development process in the porcelain sector, through the development and incorporation of digital technologies in the design of porcelain pieces with characteristics optimized for AM processes.
Innovation in the manufacturing process of porcelain products, through the development of new flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems within Costa Verde’s production system, based on AM technologies and advanced computational technologies such as AI and MR.
Sustainable development of new ceramic materials through iSLS.
Consortium
