Is it possible to create porcelain products using additive manufacturing techniques supported by Artificial Intelligence and Mixed Reality systems?
This is the question the LaserCer project seeks 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 industrial sector, which is grounded in a robust production system but still relies on conventional manufacturing processes common to several companies and ceramic subsectors.
The project seeks to investigate and validate the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies integrated with advanced computational technologies in the design and production process. The objective is to create disruptive products in the porcelain sector through optimized manufacturing processes. In doing so, the project intends to innovate the design and manufacturing of porcelain pieces using AM technologies — in this case, Selective Laser Sintering supported by AI and Mixed Reality systems.
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 has made it possible to explore the flexibility of producing products with complex and disruptive geometries using robocasting and binder jetting technologies. Within this project, the aim is to further drive the growth of AM for ceramic materials produced by SLS, taking advantage of the diversity of available materials and offering opportunities for the development of new materials with specific properties.
AM technologies are strongly rooted in digital innovation, as they allow the construction of real models from virtual data through “layer-by-layer” fabrication principles. This opens up numerous fields of study — including materials, robotics, programming, and automation — as well as areas indirectly related such as value chain optimization, recycling, reuse, and design.
In the porcelain sector, AM technologies also foster a unique relationship between technology and author-driven design due to their potential to manufacture unique, sculptural, organic, and functional geometric pieces, breaking away from conventional production processes and expanding creative freedom for product designers.
Technologies used
Indirect SLS
Indirect Selective Laser Sintering (iSLS) is a laser sintering method that uses polymer binders and porcelain powders, making it possible to produce 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, particularly focusing on emerging computational technologies based on AI and 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 optimized for AM processes.
Innovation in the manufacturing process of porcelain products by developing new flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems within Costa Verde’s production system, based on AM technologies and advanced computational technologies such as AI and Mixed Reality.
Sustainable development of new ceramic materials through iSLS.
Consortium
