Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Si ₃ N ₄ Formed by Fused Deposition of Ceramics

We present processing (green and sintered), part shrinkage and warping, microstructural characterization, and mechanical properties of Si 3 N 4 made by fused deposition of ceramics (FDC), using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The mechanical properties (fracture strength, fracture toughness, and Weibull modulus) are also reported. Proper FDC build parameters resulted in dense, homogeneous, near‐net‐shape Si 3 N 4 , with microstructures and mechanical properties similar to conventionally processed material. Mechanical properties are shown to be isotropic, while there is some degree of microstructural texturing (preferred β‐Si 3 N 4 grain orientation) in sintered components.