High Resolution Stereolithography of plastic parts
Highlights
Sometimes known as 'small spot', High Resolution Stereolithography uses a finer layer thickness and more tightly focused laser beam than conventional Stereolithography. Build times may rise as a result, but this is typically used on smaller parts that are feature rich or where the ultimate in accuracy is required.
Through an Associate, Fineline Prototyping, Plunkett Associates can offer the best that this technology is capable of delivering. Established specifically to harness the potential of the Viper (the name given to these machines) Fineline is the world leader in high resolution Stereolithography. To see what can be achieved, a visit to their technology comparator will visually demonstrate what this technology is capable of.
Process Features
Accuracy
Typically (as resin selection has an impact) ±(0.05+0.018 x dimension) mm.
Minimum Feature Size
Typically 0.1 mm depending on resin selection, 0.075 mm is possible on materials such as 9120. (Laser spot size 0.075 to 0.1 mm).
Layer thickness
Usually 0.05 mm in high resolution mode.
Bed sizes
Viper machines have a bed size of 250 x 250 mm and can build up to 250 mm in height.
Post processing
Parts can be dressed to a high cosmetic finish for display purposes or to be used as a master for vacuum casting. They can also be plated to increase the strength, or coated for EMI/RFI shielding purposes.
Description
Like most RP processes Stereolithography relies on the 3D CAD data of the component being resolved (sliced) into a series of layers that can then be sequentially recreated. A laser drawing on the surface of a tank of liquid resin that, when exposed to the laser light changes state from liquid to solid, forms each layer.
Parts are built on a support structure that anchors the developing part to the machine bed and must be manually stripped away afterwards.
The additive nature of the process permits almost any geometry to be created without concerns about 'access' that would be applicable to machining.
Clear Parts using High Resolution Stereolithography
High resolution Stereolithography can be used to produce clear parts. For full details view the stereolithography of clear parts page.