Direct Writing Technologies

The term Direct Writing Technologies encompasses a range of energy efficient fabrication technologies which may be used for modification of surfaces and progressive manufacture of structures in a layer by layer manner. These techniques which may be applied to metals, ceramics polymers and a range of other materials include:

Direct Writing has the potential to be a technology which will enable rapid manufacture of customised or personalised products with minimal use of energy and low waste. Its attributes also make it attractive for rapid prototyping though in this case it is not restricted by the lack of material flexibility or volume manufacturing capability which is inherent in some competing RM technologies.

The capacity of direct writing for both bespoke manufacture and mass customisation make it an attractive route for electronic, medical and biomedical, as well as domestic products.

CERAM is actively developing a number of Direct Write Technologies for electronic circuits, sensors, anti counterfeit strategies and biomedical devices using state of the art digital printing techniques and laser surface modification.

CERAM also manages the UK Direct Writing Association which promotes information and networking between companies interested in the technology.

Related Resources:

• Ceramics