Rapid Prototyping
 

SLA Prototyping
Stereolithography began the rapid prototyping phenomenon. Stereolithography technique was patent in 1986 and is marketed by 3D Systems of Valencia, CA. 3D Systems holds the largest market share in rapid prototyping machine sales today.

SLA Resources
 
3D Systems Corp.
26081 Avenue Hall
Valencia , CA. 91355
(888) 337-9786
moreinfo@3dsystems.com
Stereolithography builds plastic parts one layer at a time by tracing a laser beam over a photo curable liquid resin. A vat of polymer or resin sits underneath the laser; as the laser contacts the top layer of the polymer the vat lowers the cured layer while the laser continues to draw the object.
Like all Rapid prototyping method SLA starts with; the following steps are only a basic overview the process steps. For more details of each process select the prospective techniques!
 
  1. Create a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model file
  2. Convert the CAD software file to Stereolithography (STL) file
  3. Slice the STL file into cross sections
  4. Construction of design model
  5. Finish model
 
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Model: CAD models can be built with many different software suites! Compare software suites by viewing the following “make the following link” Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD software file conversion to STL: Each CAD software package uses its own file type and structure. With Stereolithography being the first rapid prototyping technique used the STL file format has become the universal standard in making prototypes.
 
Third step to the process is processing the STL file into the slices depends on the Rapid Prototyping technique.
 
Fourth is the actual construction of the physical part. RP build parts one layer at a time from materials such as polymer plastics.
 
Final step; remove part from machine and clean any burrs or blemishes from part.
Larger parts need supports and these supports can be drawn by the laser during fabrication; the supports can be removed during post process.
Stereolithography is considered the best in accuracy and surface finishing of all rapid prototyping process. This is especially important in (make the following links) medical Stereolithography and other medical rapid prototyping.
Benefits of the Stereolithography process
 
  • Limited production runs
  • Rapid tooling
  • Prototyping
  • Master patterns for investment casting
  • Form, fit, and function testing
  • Concept communication modeling
 
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