Masked projection stereolithography : improvement of the Limaye model for curing single layer medium sized parts : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (School of Engineering and Advanced Technology) at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2008
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Massey University
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Abstract
Modern Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology has been available for more than a
decade and has aided in shortening product development times and costs in the
manufacturing sector. Stereolithography (SL), the most mature of RP technology, has
primarily been used to build small to medium sized parts although there are largescale
applications i.e. the automotive industry that uses “mammoth SLA”. Recent
developments in SL have been aimed at increasing the speed of the additive process
of most SL apparatus (SLA). Developments include the chemistry of photopolymer
resins, integral-curing processes as opposed to vector-by-vector processes, and what is
now called microstereolithography.
Integral curing has been made possible by the advent of dynamic masking
generators such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital micromirror devices
(DMDs). Much of the theory for this new layering process has been applied to the
micro-scale and awaits application for medium to large sized parts. The Limaye
Model was applied to a microstereolithography apparatus (µSLA) and used as a
process planning method for curing dimensionally accurate micro parts. Examination
of the results of this mathematical model shows an irradiance map simulating the
irradiances on the resin surface. The light is expected to attenuate from the central
axis according to a measured irradiance curve. Improvements can be made to the
Limaye Model to make it applicable for the process planning of medium to large
parts. It is the aim of this research to present an improved mathematical model of the
Limaye Model, so that a given irradiance map will produce an evenly distributed
irradiance and account for errors in the optical imaging system. It is hoped that the
field of exposure of 200mm x 270mm or larger will be achieved.
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Keywords
Rapid Prototyping, Masked projection stereolithography, Limaye Model, Mechatronics