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design & development > Stereolithography
Patented in 1986, Stereolithography started the rapid prototyping
revolution. The technique builds three-dimensional models from liquid
photosensitive polymers that solidify when exposed to ultraviolet
light. A model is built upon a platform situated just below the
surface in a vat of liquid epoxy or acrylate resin. A low power
highly focused UV laser traces out the first layer, solidifying
the model's cross-section while leaving the surrounding areas as
liquid. Next, an elevator incrementally lowers the platform into
the liquid polymer. A sweeper wipes across the model's surface re-coating
the solidified layer with liquid, and the laser traces the second
layer atop the first. This process is repeated, applying 0.1 mm
to 0.7 mm layer upon layer, until the prototype is complete. Afterwards,
the solid part is removed from the vat, rinsed clean of excess liquid
and then placed in an ultraviolet oven for complete curing.
After curing the part can be hand polished and finished to specifications
(this includes anything from a rough-edged model to a glossy, painted
real-life replica depending on your needs).
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