Infrared laser stereolithography: prototype construction using special combination of compounds and laser parameters in localised curing process
by Andre L. Jardini, Rubens Maciel Filho, Marco A.F. Scarparo, Suzimara R. Andrade, Luiz Felipe M. Moura
International Journal of Materials and Product Technology (IJMPT), Vol. 21, No. 4, 2004

Abstract: Infrared Laser Stereolithography (ILS) is a novel and cost-effective method to produce three-dimensional (3D) plastic objects. An infrared laser beam is exploited to achieve localised curing with a thermosensitive resin containing a curing agent and a filling material. Physical and chemical models describing the localised curing process in ILS are presented. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to characterise the curing process and to evaluate the curing rate as a function of temperature and activation energy. A mathematical simulation model, using the finite element method software Ansys, is applied to predict cure profiles of the resin as a function of laser radiation conditions, showing good agreement with experimental results. This novel stereolithographic process can provide 3D solid structures with good spatial resolution and no significant shrinkage. The stoichiometric amount and type of silica is found to be critical to confine the curing process to a localised volume.

Online publication date: Mon, 26-Jul-2004

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