Vat photopolymerization (VP) is a type of additive manufacturing (AM) that uses light to cure a liquid resin into a solid object. It is a popular choice for manufacturing a wide variety of products, including prototypes, models, and even some end-use parts.
There are several different VP technologies, but they all share the same basic principle: a light source is used to selectively harden the photopolymer, one layer at a time. This creates a three-dimensional object that is an exact replica of the digital model.
Advantages of VP
VP offers a number of advantages over other AM techniques, including:
- High accuracy and detail: VP can produce objects with very high levels of accuracy and detail. This is because the light source can be focused very precisely, creating very small features.
- Smooth surface finish: VP objects typically have a smooth surface finish, which can be desirable for some applications, such as sterilizable medical parts, or high tolerance aerospace components.
- Wide range of materials: VP can be used with a wide range of photopolymer resins, which have a variety of properties, such as strength, flexibility, and transparency.
- Relatively fast: VP is a relatively fast AM process. This is because the light source can cure the resin very quickly.
VP Technologies
There are several different VP technologies, but the most common are:
- Stereolithography (SLA): SLA is the oldest VP technology. It relies on a laser to cure the resin
Image courtesy of Protolabs.
- Digital light processing (DLP): DLP uses a UV projector to harden the photopolymer.
Image courtesy of Texas Instruments
- Masked stereolithography (MSLA): MSLA is a type of SLA that features a light mask (typically an LCD screen backlit with a UV LED array) to solidify the material. This allows for very high levels of accuracy and detail.
Image courtesy of Nexa 3D.
- Continuous DLP (cDLP) : uses digital light projection and oxygen-permeable optics to cure the resin and generate a part in a way that allows for continuous 3D printing of a part This is one of the fastest VP technologies currently on the market.
Image courtesy of Carbon.
Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best technology for a particular use case will depend on the specific requirements of the application.
Applications of VP
VP is used to manufacture a wide variety of products, including:
- Prototypes: VP is a popular choice for manufacturing prototypes because it is fast, accurate, and can produce high-quality parts.
- Tooling: 3D printed tools, such as jigs and fixtures, can aid in the manufacturing of goods with precision and speed.
- End-use parts: VP is increasingly being used to manufacture end-use components. This is because VP parts can now be made with a wide range of materials, including some that are very strong and durable.
Why a company would choose VP
There are several reasons why a user might choose VP over other AM techniques:
- Accuracy and detail: VP can produce objects with very high levels of accuracy and detail. This is important for applications where precise dimensions are critical.
- Surface finish: VP objects typically have a smooth surface finish, which can be desirable for some applications.
- Range of materials: VP can be used with a wide range of photopolymer resins, which have a variety of properties. This allows users to choose the right material for a specific application.
- Speed: VP is a relatively fast AM process. This is important for companies that need to produce parts quickly.
Conclusion
VPis a transformative AM technique, offering a compelling combination of high accuracy, detail, and versatility to produce a wide range of products. Its ability to create intricate designs with smooth surface finishes and a wide range of material options makes it an ideal choice for prototyping, modeling, and even end-use parts. With its versatility, accuracy, and growing capabilities, VP is poised to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape. Companies across various industries are increasingly adopting VP to create prototypes, models, and end-use parts with unprecedented detail and precision. As VP technology continues to evolve, its impact on the manufacturing industry is only expected to grow, propelling it into a leading role in the future of product development and production.