In this section, we will explore the typical materials currently used in the different Digital Manufacturing Processes in order to analyze the possibility of recycling these newly developed materials in the field of digital manufacturing. We categorize and examine the different materials by the types of digital manufacturing process involved. In this section, we look at the different materials typically used in the today’s additive digital fabrication processes to provide the foundation knowledge for the following analysis section.
Digital Fabrication indicates the automated process (controlled by a computer) to build 3D objects from digital representations of 3 dimensional objects directly from CAD designs, by scanning the existing objects or from mathematical analysis.
Additive Digital Fabrication means that the materials are added in the automated process of building the objects from digital representations of 3 dimensional objects. Today’s additive digital fabrication technologies generally build up the objects layer by layer. Typical additive digital fabrication technologies include Selective Laser Curing (mainly SLA), Selective Laser Sintering, Robotically Guided Extrusion (mainly FDM), and Droplet Deposition.
The LOM™ process actually include the additive (sheet material stacking) and subtractive (laser cutting) processes, however due to our consideration of the ease of accessing information, we still include it under our additive digital manufacturing processes section.
1.) PHOTOPOLYMER RESINS IN STEREOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESSES
About StereoLithography:
StereoLithography is the pioneer technology in digital fabrication that uses laser curing technology. It creates durable models with high accuracy and smooth surface finish. It works by solidifying liquid photopolymer resins under lights (usually the ultraviolet lights). It builds 3 dimensional models (created by 3D CAD software) layer by layer by tracing a laser beam on the surface of a photopolymer resin vat. According to Quickparts.com, most of the SLA materials have a low heat tolerance (mostly + 0.005’’ for the first inch, and + 0.002’’ otherwise) and low heat deflection temperature around 110-120 Fahrenheit Degrees. To learn more about StereoLithography, please visit efunda.
Photopolymers
Common materials for the selective curing technique. Photopolymers can react with the specific light waves. They can become solid when they are under certain lights. To learn more about Photopolymers, please visit Photopolymers.
Photopolymer Resins Used in the StereoLithography Processes:
Accura® Bluestone™ SL Material (by 3D® SYSTEMS)
This material is a newly developed nano-composite compatible for StereoLithography processes. It creates objects with great finishing surfaces, excellence stiffness, and great thermal and humidity resistance.
Accura® si 50 Natural/Grey (by 3D® SYSTEMS)
This ABS-plastic-like material creates durable objects with great accuracy. Its applications include various models, master patterns, and functional components for assemblies.
Somos® 9100, 9110, 9120 Epoxy Photopolymer (by DSM)
This material is a liquid photopolymer that is compatible with SLA machines. It can be used to build rigid functional parts with great accuracy (specifically used in the Laser Systems in nm level). It exhibits superior chemical resistance, humidity resistance and works under a wide range of temperatures. Its applications include master patterns in rubber molding, and durable and rigid functional parts through solid imaging processes.
Somos® WaterClear™ 10120
This material is a high-speed optically clear photo-polymer resin that is used in StereoLithography machines for creating robust and durable parts. Its optical clarity property is especially useful in the light pipes, fluid flow analysis, and stress analysis applications where optical clarity is required.
Section I: Introduction
Section II: Present (YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN THIS SECTION)
Section III: Future
Complete Table of Contents
Reference