STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

SEMINAR BY:
E.SAI CHARAN
18261A0353
CONTENTS

 INTRODUCTION
 COMPONENTS
 THE PROCESS
 ADVANTAGES
 DISADVANTAGES
 APPLICATIONS
INTRODUCTION

 Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) is a liquid-

based process which builds parts directly from a
CAD software.
 SLA uses a low-power laser beam to harden
photosensitive resin and achieve polymerization.
 Parts can reach a maximum size of 20*20*23.
COMPONENTS

 Photopolymer
 Perforated platform
 An ultraviolet (UV) laser
 Computer controlling the platform and the laser
 Process chamber
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY APPARATUS
THE PROCESS

 The process begins with a 3D CAD file. The file is digitally sliced into a series
of parallel horizontal cross-sections which are then provided to a
Stereolithography Apparatus(SLA) one at a time. A laser traces the cross-
section onto a bath of photopolymer resin which solidifies the cross-section.
The part is lowered a layer thickness into the bath and additional resin is swept
onto the surface. The laser then solidifies the next cross-section. This process
is repeated until the part is complete. Most of the parts are completed in a
matter of hours, thereby defined as a “Rapid Prototype”.
 Once the model is complete, the platform rises out of the vat and the excess
resin is drained. The model is then removed from the platform, washed of
excess resin, and then placed in a UV oven for a final curing.
PHOTO-POLYMERIZATION

PHOTOPOLYMERS: UV-Curable photopolymers are

resins which are formulated from photo-initiators and
reactive liquid monomers.
PHOTO-POLYMERIZATION: Photo-polymerization is a
process of linking small molecules(monomers) into chain
like larger molecules(polymers).
• It is an exothermic reaction.
• Catalyst usually a free radical.
ADVANTAGES

 It is well proven technique

 Requires no attention
 High dimensional accuracy
 Best surface finish
 Complex geometry and easily obtained
DIS-ADVANTAGES

 It requires support structures

 The components can get warped
 The resin is expensive
 Hazardous to the environment
 The initial cost of the process is high
 It requires more time to heat and to cool down
APPLICATIONS

 Investment casting patterns .

 Rapid tooling , jigs & Fixtures .
 Designer models .
 Scale and exhibition models .
 Optics , transparent covers .
 Molds & casting patterns .
THANK YOU