Polymers 2 - Photopolymerisation Processes Flashcards
Which are the most important photo-polymerisation processes?
- Stereolithography
2. Jetting (Objet)
What does stereolithography mean?
Greek origin it means ‘3-dimensional printing’
What is the history of stereolithography?
- First commercial AM process - available since late 80s
2. Term covers a range of similar processes
Does the term stereolithography refer to one process?
Term covers a range of similar processes
What is the generic principle of stereolithography?
Photo-curable resin exposed to UV/visible light source.
This exposure leads to phase change in the resin to solidify in the layer.
Main western supplier of stereolithography systems is 3D Systems
Who is the main supplier of stereolithography systems in the west?
3D Systems
What is the working principle of stereolithography?
UV laser scans surface of photo-curable resin to produce cross-section
Describe the process of stereolithography step-by-step
- Position perforated build platform
- Fill resin vat & ensure no bubbles
- Import .stl file, orientate & add supports
- Laser-scan required cross-section of resin (first few layers will be lattice-type supports)
- Lower build platform by one layer
- Wiper blade spreads new layer of resin
- Remove platform & parts from machine
- Post-process
What are the typical post-processing requirements for stereolithography processes?
- Parts (still attached to platform) immersed in chemical solution to remove excess resin
- Remove parts (and supports) from build platform & post-cure parts in UV oven
- Remove supports (manual process e.g. snap off by hand, scalpel etc.)
- Finishing (e.g. sanding, painting etc.)
What are the advantages of stereolithography?
- Structural integrity of parts:
• Parts have undergone a chemical change
• Can be used for functional testing/use
• Usable for tooling (e.g. injection moulding) - Relatively good surface finish (especially top surface)
- Well-established process (Often people simply stick to what they know!)
What are the limitations of stereolithography?
- Support removal restricts geometry & affects down- facing surfaces
- Hazardous materials
- Post-processing time & equipment which add time and cost and risk for damage
- 2D nesting only
What are the characteristics of the Mammoth SL machine?
- Designed by Materialise to meet demand for large scale parts
- Previously individual sections would be produced and glued together
- Maximum part size 2100 x 680 x 800 mm
- ‘Curtain re-coating’
- Reservoir of resin moves across surface of bed to deposit new layer – less problems than with wiper system
What are the applications of the Mammoth SL machine?
Patterns for vacuum forming, low volume production of large, complex parts
Are there any desktop stereolithography printers?
- Small number of desktop SL systems starting to appear
- Better surface finish/resolution than extrusion-based systems
- But… somewhat higher machine costs & materials
Time will tell whether these really take off!
What is the Envisiontec Perfunctory process
- SL process with digital light technology
- Often found in theatre projection systems
- Array of micro-mirrors directs UV light onto surface of resin
- Modify grey-scale to control cure
- Builds ‘upside down’ so no need for levelling/recoating
and minimal support requirement - Small, accurate systems, particularly useful for dental, jewellery, hearing aids, etc.