Setup for Vat Photopolymerization 323

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.

AM

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

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 file

Computer information that provides detailed instructions to an additive manufacturing machine. Build files include information about the exact shape and size of each part layer.

build platform

The flat surface on which a part is additively manufactured. The build platform is a permanent surface from which parts are removed.

calibration model

The comparison and adjustment of a small model built with unknown accuracy to a model with a known, accurate standard. Calibration models in vat photopolymerization are built with a designed program that tests the laser settings to determine if they need adjustment.

computer-aided design

CAD. A computer software program that aids in the automated design and technical precision drawing of a part, product, process, or building. Computer-aided design can create three-dimensional digital models used for additive manufacturing.

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.

differential shrink

Reduction in size in a joint area of a part build. Differential shrink is a result of warping or reduction in size occurring in a joint area of a part build.

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.

environmental control

Process designed to control the temperature and gases in an additive manufacturing operation. Environmental controls maintain things like temperature, which helps to ensure that all materials for all builds are of the same quality or properties.

G code

A method of programming that pairs address letters with numerical values to form words. G code programs are used in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and hybrid machining.

laser

An intense beam of light that can be precisely aimed and controlled. Lasers are sometimes used to selectively solidify or fuse materials in additive manufacturing methods, including directed energy deposition, powder bed fusion, and vat photopolymerization.

leveling

Keeping the surface of one or more components completely horizontal and in alignment. Leveling the build platform in vat photopolymerization ensures that a part is constructed accurately.

measured spot

The actual dimensions of a part. Measured spots outside of part specifications are typically discarded or reworked.

peel force

A material's ability to resist forces. The peel force needed for vat photopolymerization parts is typically low.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device used to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injuries. Personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, hard hats, and steel-toed shoes.

photopolymers

A type of fluid plastic that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Photopolymers, or photoreactive resins, appear to be liquids but are technically viscous solids and are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

photoreactive resins

A material that chemically reacts to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Photoreactive resins solidify and harden when exposed to UV light.

print chamber

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

recoater

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

repeatability

The ability of a machine or process to continually deliver accurate and precise results. Repeatability measures how consistently a machine can replicate identical or near-identical parts.

resin

Resins that are photopolymer will harden when exposed to light and are used in material jetting and vat photo polymerization.

safety interlock

A safety device that disables or prevents a machine startup if a guard or door remains open. Safety locks can protect the operator from accidental laser exposure.

scrap

Unusable material produced during a manufacturing process. Scrap is a waste product of manufacturing that can increase overall production costs.

setup

All the necessary preparation of tooling and fixturing that occurs on a machine before operation begins. Proper machine setup is an important factor in optimizing tool life.

software

The programs, instructions, and formulas that structure the actions of a computer. Software controls computer hardware functions and operations.

start position

Where the operator places the build platform in a resin tank during vat photopolymerization. The start position is considered the best position for a successful vat photopolymerization print.

STL

Computer files that represent 3D models as a series of interconnected triangles. STL files are converted from CAD files and are used in additive manufacturing machines.

support structure raft

The section of the part that makes contact, and is usually secured, to the build platform. The support structure raft serves as a foundation on which the rest of the components are built.

support structures

A reinforcing component used to hold the weight of an additively manufactured part as it is being constructed. Support structures are removed from the part once the build is complete.

target spot

The desired dimensions of a part. Target spots represent the spefications of the designer.

test print

A procedure performed during the additive manufacturing process to assess the performance of the machine. Test prints are often used to calibrate the accuracy of the UV laser in vat photopolymerization.

three-dimensional

3D. Having height, width, and depth. Three-dimensional parts are created during additive manufacturing (AM) processes.

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.

UV

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

vat

An industrial receptacle used to hold fluids. A vat is used to hold liquid photopolymers 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).

viscosity

A fluid's resistance to flow. Viscosity in vat photopolymerization generally means that the hotter a resin is, the lower its viscosity.