Proto Technologies :: Stereolithography Prototyping Tooling

StereoLithography is a three-dimensional printing process that produces a solid plastic model. Using proprietary software, CAD data is sliced into very thin cross sections. The resulting slice sections

are then transformed into files to be used at the StereoLithography Apparatus (SLA) build station. A laser generating a small intense beam of Ultraviolet (UV) energy is moved by a computer-controlled optical scanning system across the top of a vat containing liquid photopolymer. As the laser beam comes in contact with the liquid photopolymer, it transforms the liquid into a solid. As each layer is completed, a vertical elevator system dips the newly formed layer into the Stereolithography

vat which applies a layer of liquid resin over the last layer drawn. The leveling and recoating systems are used to establish the thickness and flatness of the liquid layer covering the last solidified layer. As each layer is drawn and leveled, it adheres to the previous layer creating a solid part. This process continues until the final layer has been drawn; then, the plate is removed form the SLA, cleaned, and illuminated with high intensity UV energy to complete the polymerization process. The part may then be finished by various methods including sanding, sandblasting, painting, or dyeing.