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AM Photopolymer Based Technologies

Stereolithography vs. Digital Light Processing vs. Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Additive manufacturing photopolymer technologies are leading a revolution, offering incredible capabilities. These cutting-edge technologies, including stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis, have unlocked new possibilities for creating innovative and intricate shapes previously impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. With exceptional accuracy, flexibility, and speed, these additive manufacturing photopolymer technologies are reshaping the manufacturing and design world. Whether it’s crafting detailed molds, functional prototypes, or highly intricate models, these technologies are redefining the boundaries of what’s achievable, making the impossible within reach. In conclusion, the unparalleled capabilities of additive manufacturing photopolymer technologies provide limitless opportunities for creativity, innovation, and efficiency in the manufacturing world.

Stereolithography
Prototek Capabilities_Stereolithography

Stratasys’s and 3D System’s stereolithography is an impressive photopolymer-based additive manufacturing process that uses advanced technology to create detailed 3D objects. By selectively curing liquid resin with a laser, this innovative process brings your creative vision to life with precision and accuracy. Its capability to produce complex shapes and designs makes stereolithography the future of manufacturing. If you need a reliable and highly effective way to create high-quality 3D objects, stereolithography is the ultimate solution for all your additive manufacturing needs.

Digital Light Processing
Prototek Capabilities_Digital Light Processing

Photopolymer-based technology: Carbon’s digital light processing is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that uses light-sensitive resins to produce detailed, high-resolution parts. This process involves curing the resin layer by layer using a light projector, allowing for the creation of intricate shapes with exceptional accuracy and surface finish. Carbon offers 2-part resins that undergo a thermal post-bake to achieve production-grade materials. Prototek’s cutting-edge DLP capabilities provide unmatched precision and efficiency for industrial applications.

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
Prototek Capabilities_Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Axtra’s Hybrid PhotoSynthesis is an innovative technology that enables the creation of complex, high-precision parts with exceptional surface finishes by combining a laser (such as stereolithography) and a light projector (such as digital light processing), making it an ideal solution for diverse manufacturing applications.

Comparing these photopolymer based technologies.

Stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis are exceptional examples of photopolymer-based manufacturing technologies. These techniques have become the new frontiers of modern manufacturing, thanks to their ability to create complex designs with unprecedented accuracy and precision.

Stereolithography entails printing a 3D object layer by layer using an ultraviolet laser. Digital light processing uses a digital light projector to cure liquid resin, resulting in a highly detailed 3D object. Lastly, hybrid photosynthesis combines the strengths of these two technologies to streamline the process of producing high-quality prototype models.

These photopolymer-based manufacturing technologies have unlocked opportunities across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and dental. Their capacity to produce intricate designs has revolutionized manufacturing, empowering manufacturers to create products with speed, accuracy, and consistency.

In summary, the future of manufacturing rests in the capabilities of photopolymer-based manufacturing technologies such as stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis. As these technologies evolve, we can anticipate even more remarkable applications that could transform how we produce and create products.

Photopolymer Based Technologies in a Glance

Stereolithography
What is Stereolithography - A Collage of Photopolymer Based Technology Stereolithography printer SLA

OEM: 3D Systems & Stratasys

Max Build Area: 31 x 31 x 23 in

Lead Time: 1 – 2 Days

Materials: 

Accura®: 25, 60, ClearVue, ABS Black, AMX Black, AMX Tough FR V0 Black, SL 5530, Xtreme, Xtreme White 200

Somos®: BioClear, EvoLVe, PerFORM, ProtoTherm, Taurus, WaterClear Ultra 10122, WaterShed Black, WaterShed XC 11222

Tolerances: First inch ± 0.005 in and additional inches ± 0.0015 in/in

Layer Thickness: Normal resolution 0.004 in and minimum feature size 0.012 in. High-resolution 0.002 in and minimum feature 0.006 in (feature size depends on geometry).

Digital Light Processing
AM Photopolymer Based Technology | Digital Light Processing (DLP)

OEM: Carbon

Max Build Area: 7.4 x 4.6 x 12.8 in

Lead Time: 1 – 2 Days

Materials: EPU 40 & 41, EPX 82 & 86FR, FPU 50, LOCTITE® 3D IND405 Clear, MPU 100, RPU 70 & 130, SIL 30, UMA 90

Tolerances: UMA 90 first inch ± 0.005 in additional inches ± 0.002 in/in. Two-part engineering materials depend on the geometries.

Layer Thickness: Standard resolution 0.004 in, fine resolution 0.002 in, and ultra-fine resolution 0.001 in.

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
Photopolymer Based Technology Hybrid Photosynthesis - Axtra Lumia

OEM: Axtra3D

Max Build Area: 9.5 x 5.25 x 19.25 in

Lead Times: 3 – 5 Days

Materials: LOCTITE® 3D 3843 and Ultracur3D 3280

Tolerances: First inch ± 0.005 in and additional inches ± 0.0015 in/in.

Layer Thickness: Standard resolution 0.004 in and fine resolution 0.002 in.

Stereolithography
Digital Light Processing
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
What is Stereolithography - A Collage of Photopolymer Based Technology Stereolithography printer SLA
AM Photopolymer Based Technology | Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Photopolymer Based Technology Hybrid Photosynthesis - Axtra Lumia

OEM

3D Systems & Stratasys

Carbon

Axtra3D

Max Build Area

31 x 31 x 23 in

7.4 x 4.6 x 12.8 in

9.5 x 5.25 x 19.25 in

Lead Time

1 – 3 Days

1 – 4 Days
(Depending on materials.)

3 – 5 Days

Tolerances

First inch ± 0.005 in
Add. inches ± 0.0015 in/in
UMA 90: First inch ± 0.005 in
Add. inches ± 0.002 in/in

Two-part engineering materials depend on the geometries.
First inch ± 0.005 in
Add. inches ± 0.0015 in/in

Layer Thickness

Normal Resolution: 0.004 in
Minimum Feature Size: 0.012 in.

High-Resolution 0.002 in
Minimum Feature: 0.006 in (feature size depends on geometry).

Standard Resolution: 0.004 in

Fine Resolution: 0.002 in

Ultra Fine Resolution: 0.001 in

Standard Resolution: 0.004 in

Fine Resolution: 0.002 in

Design Recommendations

Stereolithography

Connecting & Moving Parts: 0.03 in

Escape Holes: 0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving: Width 0.016 in and height/depth 0.016 in

Holes & Openings: 0.02 in

Horizontal Spans: 0.08 in

Minimum Features: 0.008 in

Pin Diameter: 0.03 in

Supports & Overhangs: Base supports otherwise 45°

Walls (supported): 0.02 in

Walls (unsupported): 0.04 in

Digital Light Processing

Connecting & Moving Parts: Rigid 0.1 in and flexible 0.03 in

Escape Holes: Rigid 0.04 in and flexible 0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving: Rigid width 0.008 in and height/depth 0.004 in. Flexible width 0.035 in and height/depth 0.02 in.

Holes & Openings: Rigid 0.008 in and flexible 0.035 in

Horizontal Spans: Rigid 0.12 in and flexible 0.04 in

Minimum Features: Rigid 0.004 in and flexible 0.04 in

Pin Diameter: Rigid 0.004 in and flexible 0.04 in

Supports & Overhangs: Rigid 25° and flexible 45°

Walls (supported): Rigid 0.008 in and flexible 0.04 in

Walls (unsupported): Rigid 0.012 in and flexible 0.098 in

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Connecting & Moving Parts: 0.03 in

Escape Holes: 0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving: Width 0.016 in and height/depth 0.016 in

Holes & Openings: 0.02 in

Horizontal Spans: 0.08 in

Minimum Features: 0.008 in

Pin Diameter: 0.03 in

Supports & Overhangs: Base supports otherwise 45°

Walls (supported): 0.02 in

Walls (unsupported): 0.04 in

Stereolithography
Digital Light Processing
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Connecting & Moving Parts

0.03 in

Rigid: 0.1 in
Flexible: 0.03 in

0.03 in

Escape Holes

0.04 in

Rigid: 0.04 in
Flexible: 0.04 in

0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.016 in
Height/Depth: 0.016 in

Rigid:
W: 0.008 in
H/D: 0.004 in

Flexible:
W: 0.035 in
H/D: 0.02 in

Width: 0.016 in
Height/Depth: 0.016 in

Holes & Openings

0.02 in

Rigid: 0.008 in
Flexible: 0.035 in

0.02 in

Horizontal Spans

0.08 in

Rigid: 0.12 in
Flexible: 0.04 in

0.08 in

Minimum Features

0.008 in

Rigid: 0.004 in
Flexible: 0.04 in

0.008 in

Pin Diameter

0.03 in

Rigid: 0.004 in
Flexible: 0.04 in

0.03 in

Supports & Overhangs

Base Supports Otherwise 45°

Rigid: 25°
Flexible: 45°

Base Supports Otherwise 45°

Walls (Supported)

0.02 in

Rigid: 0.008 in
Flexible: 0.04 in

0.02 in

Walls (Unsupported)

0.04 in

Rigid: 0.012 in
Flexible: 0.098 in

0.04 in

Finishing Levels

The following finishing levels are the same for all photopolymer-based technologies (stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis)

Natural –  Support faces are sanded, and layer lines are visible.

Standard – Support faces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a matte/opaque finish with some layer lines visible (black will appear grey)

Improved Exterior – Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish.

Improved All – All accessible surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish.

Clear – Natural finish with clear coat. The layer lines are still visible.

Improved Clear – All accessible surfaces are sanded smooth with a clear coat for optimal clarity on transparent materials.

Primed Exterior – Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey.

Primed All – All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey.

Painted – All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, primed, and painted (provide a drawing with your paint specifications)

Custom – Custom finish. Let us know if your project requires special finishing. Please fill out our engineer assisted quote form!

Stereolithography
Digital Light Processing
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Natural

Support faces are sanded, and layer lines are visible.

Standard

Support faces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a matte/opaque finish with some layer lines visible (black will appear grey).

Improved Exterior

Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish.

Improved All

All accessible surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish.

Clear

Natural finish with clear coat. The layer lines are still visible.

Improved Clear

All accessible surfaces are sanded smooth with a clear coat for optimal clarity on transparent materials.

Primed Exterior

Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey.

Primed Exterior

Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey.

Primed All

All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey.

Painted

All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, primed, and painted (provide a drawing with your paint specifications)

Custom

Custom finish. Let us know if your project requires special finishing. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form.

Are you ready to start your project?

FAQs

What are the similarities between stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis?
Stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis are all additive manufacturing techniques that utilize light-based curing or solidification processes to create 3D objects. These technologies share the common principle of selectively exposing photosensitive materials to light, enabling the layer-by-layer fabrication of complex geometries.
What are the differences between stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis?
Stereolithography (SLA) uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin, while Digital Light Processing (DLP) utilizes a digital light projector. Hybrid Photosynthesis combines SLA and DLP, offering faster print speeds and improved part accuracy. Each technology has unique advantages for specific manufacturing applications.

The content on this blog post is for informational purposes only. Prototek does not make any declaration or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, regarding the information’s accuracy, completeness, or validity. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be assumed to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or us. It’s crucial to note that buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for their project.

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