About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2021 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2021)
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Symposium
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Process Development
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Presentation Title |
Static Liquid Interface to Reduce Support Structure Necessity in Top-Down Stereolithography |
Author(s) |
Nicholas Mulka, Tarun Goyal, Amit Jariwala, David Rosen |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Nicholas Mulka |
Abstract Scope |
Stereolithography (SLA) is a vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing process that utilizes photocurable resin, which requires sacrificial supporting structures on many part overhangs. This study details a novel process for conducting top-down SLA from a thin resin layer located above a static immiscible supporting fluid. The thin resin layer defines the thickness of the cured layer, preventing overcuring. The support fluid prevents deflection from buoyant and gravitational forces on thin overhangs from anchored parts due to minute density differences between the supporting fluid and cured resin. This has two primary advantages: most support structures are not needed, and the volume of resin necessary to print is greatly reduced compared to traditional top-down SLA. Using this process, we have experimentally demonstrated printed geometry with overhangs of up to 90 degrees. Additionally, material properties of both fluids and process parameters of the system have been identified for the system’s feasibility and broader adaptation. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |