Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
A System and a Method for Manufacturing Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structure
Technology Category/Market
Technology: Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structure
Industry:3D Printing;
Applications: Manufacturing Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structure;
Market: The global 3D printers market is projected to reach USD 5.44B by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2022 to 2030.
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Problem Statement
- In conventional ceramic forms, the density of TPMS structure of ceramic foam is less due to release of gaseous by product.
- Further, other existing methods such as direct foaming methods use the incorporation of pressured gases in the suspension of liquid media.
- And improved setup required additional infrastructure, resources, cost & effort.
- Another disadvantage is about the porosity of the types of ceramic foams which is irregular & very difficult to control.
- Therefore, there is a need for a system & method to address the above issues in efficient manner.
Technology
- Present patent claimed a system & method for manufacturing triply periodic minimal surface structure.
- Said System comprises a fabrication unit, a casting unit, a dissolving unit, & a sintering unit.
- Fabrication unit configured to convert an iso surface into a three dimensional solid design using iso-caps, & print a 3 dimensional structure. Casting unit configured to pour a predefined amount of ceramic slurry on the three dimensional printed structure.
- The dissolving unit configured to dissolve the water soluble filament fabrication material by immersing the solidified structure in water. Sintering unit has processed & provides a ceramic triply periodic minimal surface structure.(Refer figures)Â
Key Features/Value Proposition
Technical Perspective:
- The filament fabrication material is a water-soluble filament fabrication material which comprises polyvinyl alcohol.
- The dissolving unit includes ultrasonic bath for treating the solidified structure at a predefined temperature.
Industrial Perspective:
- Provide a cost-effective 3D printer to print a design of the triply periodic minimal surface structure.
- Provide a cost-effective muffle furnace to sinter the ceramic structure.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
Research Lab
Prof. Somashekhar S Hiremath
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 2346 ;
- Patent No: 436692 (Granted)
Technology Readiness Level
 TRL-3
 Proof of Concept ready & validated