Monday, November 25, 2013

A Short View At The Stereolithography Process And Its Pros

By David Mills


Stereolithography is one of the techniques that are used for the creation of 3D-printed objects. It could also be called 3D layering or printing, solid imaging, photo-solidification and solid free-form fabrication. This process makes it eminently possible for a specially designed 3D printing machine to convert molten plastic into solid objects. Due to this, prototypes can be made at a very rapid rate.

Over time, it is the most generally used system for three dimensional printing and rapid producing. With the utilisation of this technique, 3-dimensional parts and solid 3-dimensional objects can be made easily and with high precision from CAD models. The end products often have a top quality of surface finish and the work is done within a few hours. The machine that's used for this process is referred to as a Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA).

With the use of specialised software, a 3D file of the sample model is divided into a collection of layers. At this point, it's important to add support structures. This is mostly done immediately. Once the conversion to the STL format is accomplished, the file is then sent to the SLA machine for printing.

The first cross section is traced out by the SLA machine on a VAT of UV treatable liquid resin with the utilization of a UV laser beam. The resin cures once it is exposed to the laser beam. After the completion of the first layer, the platform is reduced and a fresh resin layer is applied to the surface. The laser then traces out the subsequent layer and cures the resin so that it bonds to the layer below. This is repeated till the prototype model is fully built.

Stereolithography is popular because it provides lots of advantages. It is faster than conventional methods of making models. One of the directly apparent benefits is the saving of time. Once the 3D CAD information has been received, prototype models are usually produced inside a few days.

It helps in reducing the cost of production. A lot of cash will be wasted if product design issues are identified during the tooling stage. The usage of SLA models has made it eminently possible to verify designs early so as to reduce the frequency of inaccuracies. The SLA machine also facilitates the attainment of tight tolerances for producing correct and complex elements.

The prototypes created with this process are tough and functional. There are has been lots of developments in the variety of materials that can be utilised. That is the reason why harder and more functional parts can be produced. In addition, the designs can get to the market at a faster rate because the high standard of the surface finish decreases the secondary operations that are needed.

Since the advent of stereolithography more than 20 years ago, it has undergone different changes. It has helped to move Rapid Prototyping technology much nearer to the level of Quick Producing. These days tougher materials are appearing on the scene and it is verily likely that a greater number of firms will embrace this technology.




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