Three-dimensional printing—also known as ‘additive manufacturing’—generates three-dimensional objects from digital designs. These objects are generally built layer by layer.
This technology enables the production of complex structures and shapes, many of which would be difficult or even impossible to manufacture using injection molding or other conventional manufacturing methods.
Scott Bader focuses on vat polymerization technologies, whereby a liquid photosensitive resin is placed into a printer’s tank or vat.
A file is digitally sliced into layers before printing. This file contains the dimensions of each layer, with the 3D printer selectively exposing the resin surface to light to create the shape.
Next, the build platform and attached cured layer move up, raising the cured section and exposing new resin layers to be cured. This process continues until the final part has been produced.
Image Credit: Scott Bader Company Ltd.
Types of 3D Printing
There are three main methods of 3D printing within the field of vat polymerization. These are:
- Stereolithography (SLA) employs a laser to trace each layer of the model. This approach cures the resin along the laser’s path.
- Digital Light Processing (DPL) initiates curing using a digital projector, exposing the resin to a complete image of each layer.
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 3D printing functions similarly to DLP, but this approach leverages an LCD screen to mask the UV light and display the desired layer shape.
Image Credit: Scott Bader Company Ltd.
Notable Comparisons
Due to the laser's specific light spectrum, SLA resins are frequently incompatible with LCD and DLP printers. It is also important to note that SLA machines generally feature restrictions on their usable materials, meaning that most of these are ‘closed’ systems.
However, DLP and LCD machines are ‘open systems,’ and are generally compatible with supplier or third-party resins. Resins within these systems are typically interchangeable since most DLP and LCD printers operate on 385-405 nm wavelengths. However, optimal settings may differ.
Both printer types are highly suited to rapid prototyping and small-scale manufacturing due to their advantageous print speed and good resolution.
DLP is widely used in professional fields where there is a need for larger machines boasting improved precision. Hobbyists and beginners to 3D printing typically favor desktop LCD printers, however, due to their relatively lower cost and smaller footprint.
Source: Scott Bader Company Ltd.
Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by Scott Bader Company.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Scott Bader Company Ltd.
For more information on this source, please visit Scott Bader Company Ltd.