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Describe 3D Printing and the Mechanism of Photopolymerization

Dwight Mitchell • 10 June 2023

3D Printing and the Mechanism of Photopolymerization

Photopolymerization 3D printing service technology consists of different processes which mainly rely on a simple principle. This principle is mainly the liquid photopolymer which is contained in a tank and is mainly a heat source. In this, a 3D physical object is built layer by layer in completion.

Now the photopolymerization technique is mainly based on layers.

Additionally, LCD screens, as well as Digital Light Processing projectors, are also becoming popular photopolymerizing materials, thereby providing a high resolution and being available at a much cheaper cost.

It is important to note that the advantage of using these two techniques in comparison to lasers is that these techniques can simultaneously cure a full layer of resin, whereas, in the case of a laser, it illuminates progressively by drawing the entire surface.

The popular photopolymerization 3D printing technologies mainly include

· Stereolithography (SLA):

SLA is also known as photo solidification or resin printing. Generally, during the SLA manufacturing process, a beam of concentrated ultraviolet light is focussed onto the surface of a tank which is filled with a liquid photopolymer. Thereafter the beam is focussed, thereby creating each layer of the 3D object that is desired mainly through degrading a polymer.

· Digital Light Processing (DLP):

For DLP 3D printing, a digital projector screen is mainly used so as to flash a single image of each layer across the platform; since the projector is a digital screen, the image of each and every layer is mainly composed of square pixels thereby resulting in a layer forming voxels (rectangular bricks). The DLP prints quite faster for certain parts as each layer is exposed all at once, which is contrary to that of a layer.

· Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP):

The CLIP photopolymerization technique mainly uses a tank of resins as base material. The tank bottom part is transparent to ultraviolet rays and is called a window. The ultraviolet light beam shines from the window, which illuminates the cross-section of the object. This light helps the resin to photopolymerize. Then the object rises slowly so as to allow a good amount of resin to flow under and maintain contact with the bottom of the object. An oxygen permeable membrane lies below the resin, thereby creating a dead zone. This liquid interference that is permanent prevents the resin from attaching to the window. Contrary to SLA, the CLP is continuous and much faster and thereby used in commercial printing methods.

· Daylight Polymer Printing (DPP):

The DPP process mainly uses an LCD which is also known as Liquid Crystal Display. The technique uses unmodified LCD screens and a daylight polymer and is also known as LCD 3D printing.

Mitchell and Son Additive Manufacturing is one of the leaders in 3D printing service, metal 3D printing. Their on-demand 3D print makes the impossible possible. Rapid designing and scaling production in lesser time is their only motto. In order to avail of their services, contact them today and get an instant online quote for your business.