Multiple LED photographic curing of models for design verification

Abstract

At The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) a new process named multiple LED photographic curing (MPC) has been developed. As a matter of priority, MPC is thought to be applied to concept modelling. The building data are available in bitmap or voxel representation respectively. In MPC, light is generated by light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Exposing of a photopolymer happens through raster scanning. An array of multiple beams of light is projected onto the resin surface while the scan head moves across the vat. The fabrication of test parts has proven the system’s practical ability to create geometric objects. Surface finish is quite good, certainly adequate for most concept verification. Some obstacles such as low exposure energy have yet to be overcome. Scaling up the build envelope enables fabricating much larger parts.