The Feature Resolution and Dimensional Control in Freeform Solidification of Alumina Systems by Stereolithography

Abstract

Controlling the feature resolution and dimension of printed products using stereolithography requires a comprehensive understanding of compositional and printing variables. Balancing these variables adds more complexity to manufacturing near net shape products. In this study, the compositional variables examined include particle size and solid content using two resins, and printing variables include layer thickness and energy dose. Choosing the energy dose for curing depends on compositional variables and consequently affects the degree of scattering. The results shows that light scattering determines the changes in the feature resolution and lateral dimensions. The layer thickness only affects the feature resolution and not the lateral dimensions. The vertical dimension does not significantly change with the chosen variables. In this study, fine-tuning the variables is shown to produce parts with high precision and resolution. Both compositional and printing variables play a key role in achieving near net shape products.

Effect of resin composition on cure depth, dimensional accuracy, and surface roughness in Al2O3 stereolithographic 3D printing

“…14 These three exposure parameters can have a significant influence of the physical properties of the cured suspensions. [15][16][17][18][19] To quickly compare the effects of different exposure settings on a given suspension, the depth of cure is measured. The depth of cure is a measurement taken by the physical depth measurement of a sample after it is cured.…”

“…Combining light intensity and exposure duration results in energy dose 14 . These three exposure parameters can have a significant influence of the physical properties of the cured suspensions 15–19 . To quickly compare the effects of different exposure settings on a given suspension, the depth of cure is measured.…”