Paste vs Gel

I was looking at the difference between a paste and a gel:

[en.wikipedia.org]

[en.wikipedia.org]

What are the differentiating properties of each? Both seem to be colloids, but gels seem to have better adhesion properties.
When would it be better to use one vs the other?
Is there anybody working on gel extrusion?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/16/2013 08:59PM by sanman.

... don't see a clear difference either

Read the infos to "thixotropic" - I've used 2K-pastes or mixed on my own metallic and ceramic based slurries, that I've made 'gel-like' or thixotropic by adding some gels or binders, so they won't settle when stored or paused dispensing for longer times ...

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I think gels are supposed to have a more ionic character, with more ionic bonding and greater adhesion properties. Perhaps that could make them better for 3d printing maybe?

I see that both pastes and gels can be used to make ceramics.

The sol-gel process looks particularly interesting, because it could be used to make porous lightweight materials:

[en.wikipedia.org]