Easily applicable protocol to formulate inks for extrusion-based 3D printing

Abstract 3D printing is a disruptive technology that is a key driver of the new industrial revolution. Among the various 3D printing methods, direct-ink-writing (DIW) takes a viscous ink material, extrudes it through a nozzle, and deposits it layer-by-layer to create 3D objects. DIW is a versatile method that can print ceramics, polymers, metals, living cells, etc. Yet, the ink formulation is critical for the success of printing. One major challenge to operate the transition to Industry 4.0 is to educate laypersons on 3D printing, without the need to master physics and chemistry. In this paper, we propose a protocol to familiarize laypersons with ink formulation for DIW. Using this protocol, a clay-based ink was optimized and the best ink composition containing 48 wt% clay and 2.4 wt% bamboo fibers was used for printing. The experimental set-ups and details used in the work are easily available, cheap, sustainable, and safe, enabling its implementation in various settings from classrooms to workshops, without the need for specialized equipment.