ECS-TE Benchtop 3D Print Coater (Singe vs. Dual Nozzle) for Solid-State Battery, SOFC/SOEC, and Microelectronics, ETEB3DPC

Benchtop 3D print coaters—specifically utilizing Direct Ink Writing (DIW) or robocasting technology—have become indispensable tools in solid-state battery (SSB) research. It allows researchers to precisely pattern thick composite electrodes and continuous, defect-free solid electrolyte separators using ceramic or polymer-ceramic slurries. When configuring a benchtop system for SSB fabrication, choosing between a single-nozzle and a dual-nozzle architecture dictates your workflow complexity, material capabilities, and interfacial engineering potential.

Single-nozzle benchtop systems feature a single dispensing head or syringe barrel, making them the standard choice for baseline slurry development and single-layer printing. It is ideal for printing one distinct layer at a time—such as a continuous solid electrolyte separator sheet or a standalone cathode/anode green body.

Dual-nozzle systems integrate two independent dispensing heads (either side-by-side on the same gantry or independent z-axis actuators), unlocking complex multi-material architectures. It enables sequential or alternating deposition of two distinct inks within the same print job—such as printing a composite cathode layer directly adjacent to a solid electrolyte separator.

References:

D. W. McOwen, et al., 3D-Printing Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries, Adv. Mater., 2018, 30, 1707132

F. W. Yang, et al., Ultra-Long Life Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by 3D-Printing of Integrated Porous Cathode/Composite Polymer Electrolyte with Dynamic Covalent Bonds, Adv. Mater., 2025, 37, e09057