Eindhoven University of Technology: Thesis Student Studies Layer Deposition Issues in 3D Printing

April 21, 2020 by Bridget O'Neal 3D Printing

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Niek Groot takes on the topic of layer deposition in printing with resin, detailing his findings in ‘The influence of coater velocity on layer deposition in the 3D-printing process,’ a thesis submitted to Eindhoven University of Technology. With a focus on vat photopolymerization, the author investigates challenges that arise during layer deposition.

A schematic view of the process of layer deposition in which the velocity profile can be seen in between the coater blade and the bottom plate

Printing ceramics is becoming increasingly more popular with users around the globe, as they streamline techniques, experiment with new materials and composites, and create new molds and templates. Groot points out though that during printing, small deformations may occur. If this happens multiple times, leaving deformations stacked on top of each other throughout the 3D printed layers, there may be imperfections that threaten the integrity of the overall product.

An overview of the velocity profile beneath the coater and resin thickness depending on Π with courtesy to [3].

Groot used a Lepus Next Gen vat photopolymerization machine to experiment with parameters and the resulting effects on layers.

“The main parameters which are investigated are the coater height above the bottom plate and the coater velocity,” explains Groot, seeking to find setting adjustments that control flow and resin layers.

Layer adhesion is an issue many users must deal with, but when deformations are persistent throughout numerous layers there is greater concern due to the potential for structural failure and serious imperfections in shape.

“When looking at the effect of velocity on the height profiles for 100 µm, almost no difference can be seen when altering the coater velocity. However, when looking at the influence of the coater velocity on the height profile in case of a coater height of 150 µm and 200 µm, one can see a small decrease in the height profile for a faster coater velocity,” stated the author.

A schematic view of a laser triangulation sensor.

A schematic representation of chromatic aberration, where A is a polychromatic light source and B,G and R are the focal points of red, blue and green light. With courtesy to [2].

Measuring of height in layers was critical in this study, as Groot considered a couple of different sensors to be used: the laser triangulation sensor (information derived from triangles) and the confocal chromatic sensor (seeking aberrations in optics). Comparisons were made between the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and results compiled during experimentation.

A schematic representation of the experimental setup which was used. The
confocal chromatic sensor, coater and resin injector are all mounted to the same movable stage (not to scale).

A picture of the Lepus Next Gen, where one can see the bottom plate and the movable stage containing the confocal chromatic sensor, coater and the resin injector. (Image: AMSYSTEMS)

“The results gathered by the Comsol model are very logical. The model resulted in a resin layer of exactly half the coater height above the bottom plate. This result is predicted by formula (8). This is also the case for most of the gathered data. Therefore, the model is in good accordance with the experimental data gathered,” concluded the researcher.

“As one can see, most results found during this thesis are not perfect. First, it can be clearly seen that the measurements for a coater height of 100µm, which can be found in Appendix B, are all negative. This is of course very unrealistic. Furthermore, it can be noticed that every measurement fluctuates more than what was expected. Sometimes these fluctuations were up to 50 µm. At first sight 50 µm does not seem a lot, however if it is stated that the thickest layer is 200 µm it can be easily seen that 50 µm is a very large fluctuation in this case.”

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[Source / Images: ‘The influence of coater velocity on layer deposition in the 3D-printing process’]