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1994
Conference Paper
Titel
Stereolithography process technology
Alternative
Prozeßtechnologie der Stereolithographie
Abstract
Despite the advantages stereolithography provides, one of the major problems in applying this technique is the limited part accuracy that can be achieved. Of course, models which are used for design or assembly studies must be of high accuracy to obtain realistic experimental results; high dimensional accuracy is also required if stereolithography parts are used as models for investment casting. The major reason for inaccuracies of stereolithography parts are shrinkage and distortion of layers during the polymerization of the resin. The specific rates of shrinkage and distorsion depend on various parameters, especially material and process parameters. The part accuracy that finally can be achieved also depends on the precision and characteristic of the equipment used. After analyzing the influence of various factors (equipment, process parameters, building style, scanning method, e.g.) on part accuracy, the paper will point out the results of several experiments which have been carried out at the Fraunhofer-Institute of Production Technology (IPT). Optimum process parameters and improved scanning methods will be investigated and transfered to practical examples.