Additive Manufacturing - Stereolithography (SLA) Technology:

Stereolithography (SLA) is the most widely used rapid prototyping technology. It can produce highly accurate and detailed polymer parts. It was the first rapid prototyping process, introduced in 1988 by 3D Systems based on work by inventor Charles Hull. It uses a low-power, highly focused UV laser to follow cross-sections of a three-dimensional object in a container of liquid photosensitive polymer. As the laser follows the layer, the polymer solidifies and the excess areas are left as liquid. When a layer is completed, a leveling blade is moved across the surface to smooth it before depositing the next layer. The platform is lowered by a distance equal to the layer thickness (typically 0.05-0.007 mm), and a subsequent layer is formed on top of the previously completed layers. This process of following and smoothing is repeated until the build is complete. Once complete, the part is elevated above the container and drained. Excess polymer is swabbed or rinsed away from the surfaces. In many cases, a final cure is given by placing the part in a UV oven. After the final cure, supports are cut off the part and surfaces are polished, sanded or otherwise finished.

Explaining video for the process:

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تقنيات التصنيع بالإضافة -|3|- التصنيع بالإضافة - تقنية (Stereolithography -...

Posted by Eng. Rami Khalil on Friday, April 10, 2015