Conceptual design of a generalized stereolithography machine

摘要: One of the most common Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies, the stereolithography apparatus (SLA) fabricates 3-dimensional parts using a layer-based, additive fabrication process by tracing part cross-sections on the top surface of a vat of liquid photopolymer. Typically, usage of the SLA process has been limited to piece parts. We are interested in greatly expanding the application of SLA and other RP technologies by fabricating assemblies of parts as working mechanisms or static, complex structures. To accomplish this, we are investigating methods for building around embedded components, where these components are motors, printed circuit boards, metal bushings, etc. We have successfully fabricated many such assemblies using a conventional SLA-250 machine; however, we believe that much greater functionality and flexibility can be achieved if the architecture of typical SLA machines is modified to …