What is VAT Photopolymerization (SLA, DLP, CDLP)? | Dassault Systèmes

Summary

This video from Sculpteo, a 3DEXPERIENCE Make Marketplace partner, introduces photopolymerization, a 3D printing process that uses a heat source like a UV lamp or laser to solidify liquid photosensitive resin. The process involves a material tray, a heat source, and a printing plate to build high-quality parts with minimal finishing. However, these parts have lower mechanical resistance and high UV sensitivity. Photopolymerization is commonly used in stereolithography, DLP, and color printing techniques, with applications in marketing approvals, cosmetics, and medical research.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Photopolymerization is a 3D printing process using heat to solidify liquid photosensitive resin.
• 🖨️ Common 3D printing techniques using photopolymerization include stereolithography, DLP, Polyjet, and Multijet.
• 🧪 The process relies on three key elements: the liquid resin, a UV lamp or laser as the heat source, and a printing plate to support layers.
• 💡 After printing, excess material is removed using solvents and the part is detached from its tray.
• 🌡️ The part undergoes UV curing in an oven to solidify the outer surface.
• 🎨 Photopolymerization produces high-quality parts with minimal finishing and reduced human effort.
• ⚙️ A drawback of this process is that the resulting parts have lower mechanical resistance and are sensitive to UV light.
• 🧑‍🔬 It is used in various fields, including visual testing, marketing approvals, cosmetics, and medical research.
• 🔍 Photopolymerization allows for precise and intricate designs in 3D printing.
• 🛠️ While efficient for producing prototypes and models, it may not be ideal for applications requiring strong mechanical properties.

Q & A

What is photopolymerization in 3D printing?

Photopolymerization is a 3D printing process that uses a heat source to solidify liquid photosensitive resin, commonly used in techniques like stereolithography, DLP, and Polyjet printing.

What are the three main elements involved in photopolymerization?

The three main elements are the material tray containing liquid photosensitive resin, the heat source (such as a UV lamp or laser) to photopolymerize the resin, and the printing plate that supports the layers until the object is complete.

How is the resin solidified in the photopolymerization process?

The resin is solidified by exposing it to a heat source, typically a UV lamp or laser, which causes the photosensitive material to harden layer by layer.

What happens after the printing process is complete?

Once the printing is complete, excess material is removed using solvents, substrates are detached, and the printed part is placed in an oven for UV curing to solidify its external surface.

What are the advantages of photopolymerization in 3D printing?

The advantages include producing high-quality parts that require minimal finishing and less human effort.

What are the drawbacks of photopolymerization?

The drawbacks include lower mechanical resistance and high sensitivity to UV light, which can affect the durability of the printed parts.

In which industries is photopolymerization commonly used?

Photopolymerization is used in industries such as cosmetics, medical research, visual testing, and for marketing approvals.

What is the purpose of UV curing in the photopolymerization process?

UV curing solidifies the external surface of the printed part, ensuring the final object is fully hardened and ready for use.

Why do parts produced through photopolymerization require minimal finishing?

Parts require minimal finishing because the process produces high-quality, detailed prints with smooth surfaces, reducing the need for additional post-processing.

How does photopolymerization differ from other 3D printing techniques?

Photopolymerization uses a liquid resin and a heat source like UV light to solidify the material, unlike other methods that may use different materials or heating mechanisms, such as extrusion in FDM or sintering in SLS.