Maintenance for Vat Photopolymerization 324

access levels

The permissions or restrictions that a user has within a machine or software system. Access levels allow different personnel to use different software functions based on their job role or training.

additive manufacturing

AM. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional (3D) computer model. Additive manufacturing methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

blade gap

The space between the surface of the resin and the bottom of the recoater. Blade gaps should run parallel with the surface of the material in a vat photopolymerization machine.

booms

A barrier to contain liquids. Booms are tubelike, absorbent, and surround spills to aid in cleanup.

build chamber

The area contained within an additive manufacturing (AM) machine where the part is actually built. Many build chambers, also called print chambers, are enclosed to improve the safety of the manufacturing operation.

build controls

Software that provides detailed instructions to an additive manufacturing machine. Build controls can include information like the exact shape and size of each layer or the temperature of the build chamber.

build platform

The flat surface on which a part is additively manufactured. The build platform can either be a permanent machine surface from which parts are removed or a surface that can be removed from a machine once the build is complete.

configuration

The way in which operating systems are arranged in a machine. Configuration by a technician often affects how an additive manufacturing machine produces a part.

cure

To cause a material to bond and solidify by permanently cross-linking its molecules. Curing techniques for photopolymers include exposing the material to ultraviolet light during the production process.

cyber attacks

An effort to disrupt, disable, or gain illegal access to a digital device or network. Cyber attacks include hacking, phishing, and installing malware.

cyber resiliency

The ability to quickly respond to and recover from cyber attacks. Cyber resiliency differs from cybersecurity in that it reacts to breaches that do occur rather than preventing them from happening.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

dikes

A barrier to hold back liquids. Dikes are often used to contain spills.

end-use

Designed to be used directly by a consumer or directly in another manufactured product. End-use products created by additive manufacturing (AM) include medical implants, custom dental devices, and camera equipment.

inspection

The examination of a part during or after its creation to confirm that it adheres to quality specifications. During inspection, defects may be identified and corrected.

laser

A device that creates an intense beam of light that can be precisely aimed and controlled. Lasers are sometimes used to selectively solidify or combine materials in additive manufacturing methods, including directed energy deposition (DED), powder bed fusion (PBF), and vat photopolymerization.

local area network

LAN. A type of wired network that enables communication between a group of computing devices in a specific geographic location. Local area networks are commonly used by manufacturers and other organizations to store and exchange digital information across a large facility.

nitrile

A low-cost copolymer that protects against various chemicals. Nitrile is highly puncture resistant compared to latex.

peristaltic pump

A rotary-type device that compresses or moves material through a flexible tube fitted against it. Peristaltic pumps are typically used to transfer resin material from the tank to the build platform in vat photopolymerization.

personal protective equipment

PPE. An article of clothing or a device worn to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injury. Personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, safety gloves, ear plugs, respirators, or steel-toed boots.

photopolymers

A type of fluid plastic that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Liquid photopolymers are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

planned maintenance

PM. Maintenance that is performed purposely and regularly in order to prevent machine deterioration or breakdown. Planned maintenance keeps machines running efficiently.

planned maintenance optimization

PMO. A manufacturing improvement method that increases production and reduces waste through continuous attention to the condition of machines and processes. Planned maintenance optimization's main goal is to maximize equipment usefulness across its lifespan.

post-build

Basic tasks that an operator carries out after an AM part build is completed. Post-build tasks typically include post-processing functions.

pre-build

Basic tasks that an operator carries out before an AM part build is completed. Pre-build tasks typically include setup functions.

predictive maintenance

PdM. A maintenance approach that involves collecting data related to machine operation in order to service a machine before maintenance issues arise. A predictive maintenance approach helps prevent unscheduled downtime.

preventative maintenance

A type of maintenance performed while a component is in working order to keep it from breaking down. Preventive maintenance may include cleaning, lubricating, tightening, and replacing worn parts.

process controls

A method of checking product performance and batch consistency by regularly measuring and regulating activities that yield a product. Process controls involve using software to collect and analyze data with the goal of reducing errors.

quality

The degree to which a product or service meets customer satisfaction. Quality products conform to specifications, are free of defects, and meet the requirements of their anticipated use.

recoater

A device that slides forwards and backwards over the surface of photopolymer material held in a vat. Recoaters are used by stereolithography (SLA) systems to smooth photopolymer material layers over a build platform.

repeatable

The ability of a machine or process to continually deliver consistent and uniform results. Repeatable results are crucial for efficiently producing parts that meet quality requirements.

resin tank

An industrial receptacle used to hold fluids. Resin tanks, or vats, are used to hold liquid photopolymers in vat photopolymerization.

smart sensors

A device that detects a change in a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal that can be measured or recorded. Smart sensors may be connected to a machine or system in order to collect operational data that is later analyzed.

timeout

When a computer program intentionally stops working or ends. Timeouts typically occur when a message is discarded or a task has taken too long to complete.

ultraviolet

UV. A potentially harmful wavelength of light that is below, or shorter than, violet on the light spectrum. Ultraviolet light is used to selectively harden a photopolymer in vat photopolymerization processes.

vat photopolymerization

An additive manufacturing (AM) method that builds a part by curing layers of photopolymer with light. Vat photopolymerization processes include stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP).

wide area network

WAN. A type of network that enables communication between devices across multiple geographic locations. Wide area networks, such as the Internet, are generally open, unsecured networks and are not recommended for exchanging sensitive information.