3D Jetted (PhotoPolymer)

Question 1

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Principle

Answer 1

• Ink- jet printing heads ejects micro- droplets of molten plastic or wax material onto a stationary platform (polymer phase change inkjet or jetted photopolymer technology)
• Continuous or drop on demand (DOD) approach
• Build and Support Material is ejected simultaneously via separate jets.
• Curing of the photopolymer build material using UV flood lamp (Mounted on the Ink ket heads)

Question 2

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Characteristics

Answer 2

• Layer thickness 16-32um
• Gel - like support structure can be easily removed by water jetting.

• Accuracy
- 20-85um for features smaller than 50mm
~ 200um karger model sizes

• Up to 750x750x 1,600 DPI (x-y-z)

Question 3

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Materials

Answer 3

• Acrylic based photopolymer (uv curable) with transparent coloured , opaque, flexible, and rigid properties.
• Wax - Support Material

• Desired properties
- Simulate production plastics (e.g.ABS) for material properties such as toughness, dimensional stability, detail visualisation, biocompatible.

• Simulate rubber like Material properties such as flexibility and durability.
• Simulate polypropylene-like appearances (flexibility, strength, toughness, low water absorption rate)

Question 4

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Applications

Answer 4

• Concept Development
• Design Validation
• Form and fit analysis
• Moulding and foundry Casting patterns
• Pattern for Investment Casting

Question 5

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Advantages

Answer 5

• Small Layer thickness eliminating the stair effect common to complicated curved surfaces.
• Quick processing time, adjustable resolution.
• Coloured printing
• Multi-Material printing
• End use parts
• Office friendly (quiet,safe, Odour-free, easy to use)
• Living hinges and joints

Question 6

3D Jetted Photopolymer - Limitations

Answer 6

• Limited Choice in materials - Only polymer and waxed can be used.
• Limited opportunity to enhance properties during post processing - functional and aesthetic qualities of parts are largely determined during the printing stage.
• Support structure needed for overhangs, undercuts and fragile elements.