Skip to content

3D Printing Service:
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Our Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) services offer:

Our Process is Simple.

Upload a CAD file and request a quote.

Our team will start production.

Once complete, it passes through quality control.

Lastly, our team ships the part(s) to you.

Additive Manufacturing Technology_Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

What is Hybrid PhotoSynthesis?

Hybrid Photosynthesis (HPS) is an innovative 3D printing technique that combines two popular methods: digital light processing (DLP) and stereolithography (SLA). DLP uses a light projector to cure a resin layer by layer, while SLA employs a laser to harden the resin. Moreover, Hybrid Photosynthesis utilizes both techniques to create highly detailed and accurate 3D models.

This technology is perfect for producing intricate and complex models with high detail. Furthermore, industries like healthcare, automotive, and aerospace use Hybrid PhotoSynthesis. In healthcare, this technology can create anatomical models that aid in surgical planning and implant design. HPS can make car product prototypes for the automotive industry before mass production. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, it is used to create detailed models of aircraft parts before large-scale production.

Hybrid Photosynthesis is a game-changer in the 3D printing industry. By leveraging the strengths of both DLP and SLA techniques, this technology can produce a high-quality finished product that is both precise and intricate.

How does Hybrid PhotoSynthesis work?

Our additive manufacturing (AM) process begins with our technicians uploading your CAD file into the machine. The technician decides on the best part orientation to maximize quality and reduce the need for support. Afterward, they send the component with supports to the machine’s platform to be sliced layer by layer and translated into instructions for the machine. The HPS machine uses a photochemical process that combines digital light processing and stereolithography. Subsequently, it projects light through an oxygen-permeable membrane into a UV-curable resin and uses a laser for precise details. This step is repeated until the build is complete.

After the build, the proficient technicians manually remove the platform from the Hybrid PhotoSynthesis machine and retrieve the parts. Then, the parts undergo solvent cleaning and UV curing to solidify the outer surface of the component. Finally, the finished components go to the finishing department for further post-processing if necessary.

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) Illustration

Advantages to Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of laser sintering:

Disadvantages to Hybrid PhotoSynthesis

While there are a lot of advantages to HybridPhotosynthesis, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis at Prototek

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis Machine Company:

Axtra3D

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis File Types:

Preferred Files: Solid, STEP, and DFX

Max Build Chamber Size:

9.5 x 5.25 x 19.25 in

Lead Time:

3 – 5 Days

Material:

Loctite3D 3843 and Ultracur3D 3280

Tolerances:

± 0.005 in for the first inch and ± 0.0015 in/in for each additional inch

Layer Thickness:

Standard Resolution: 0.004 in
Fine Resolution: 0.002 in  

Prototek's Materials

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis Materials (HPS) | Loctite3D 3843
LOTITE® 3D 3843

LOCTITE® 3D 3843 is a semi-flexible resin with moderate temperature resistance up to HDT60, high impact strength, and versatility for various applications. Additionally, it is a high-strength engineering plastic with exceptional impact resistance and a superior surface finish.

Tensile Strength

7,329 ± 290 psi

Tensile Modulus

262 ± 6.8 ksi

Elongation @ Break

43 ± 10%

Flexural Strength

N/A

Flexural Modulus

259 ± 6.5 ksi

Heat Deflection @ 264 psi

129° F

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) Material - Ultracur3D 3280
Ultracur3D 3280

Ultracur3D 3280 is a high-performance photopolymer resin developed for 3D printing applications like HPS. It boasts excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, toughness, and rigidity, which make it ideal for producing functional parts.

Tensile Strength

10,153 psi

Tensile Modulus

1,494 ksi

Elongation @ Break

0.7%

Flexural Strength

1,273 ksi

Flexural Modulus

1,273 ksi

Heat Deflection @ 264 psi

324° F

Design Recommendations

Designing parts with adequate support structures is crucial to prevent them from collapsing during the HPS printing process. These support structures should be easy to remove after printing and should not damage the final part. Additionally, the part’s orientation during printing is also crucial, as it can significantly affect the surface quality and accuracy of the final product.

Furthermore, designers should carefully select a resin for HPS that best suits the intended application of the part, considering factors such as strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. lastly, ensuring that the design files are correctly formatted and error-free is essential to avoid any issues during the Hybrid PhotoSynthesis printing process.

Prototek's Additive Design Poster
Feature Measurement

Connecting & Moving Parts

0.03 in

Escape Holes

0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.016 in
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
Feature Measurement

Connecting & Moving Parts

0.7 mm

Escape Holes

1 mm

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.4 mm
Height/Depth: 0.4 mm

Holes & Openings

0.5 mm

Horizontal Spans

2 mm

Minimum Features

0.2 mm

Pin Diameter

0.7 mm

Supports & Overhangs

Base Support Otherwise 45°

Walls (Supported)

0.5 mm

Walls (Unsupported)

1 mm

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis Finishes

Prototek Digital Manufacturing is committed to enhancing the quality of your Hybrid PhotoSynthesis 3D-printed parts through a comprehensive range of finishing options. Our highly skilled team meticulously executes post-processing services to tailor your parts to your exact specifications. Whether it’s precise painting, expert plating, meticulous polishing, or specialized coating, our team possesses the expertise to deliver flawless finishes that perfectly complement your project.

Hybrid PhotoSynthesis Finishes

Level Process
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.

Learn More About HPS

Through our resources, you can discover the complexities of HPS 3D printing and gain insights into creating top-notch designs specifically tailored for this cutting-edge technology.

AM Photopolymer Based Technologies

A thorough examination of additive manufacturing photopolymer technologies, including stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis, delve into their capabilities, applications, advantages, and limitations. This...

Why choose Prototek for your next Hybrid PhotoSynthesis project?

Prototek is the ideal choice for your next Hybrid PhotoSynthesis project. With extensive experience in 3D printing services, our team of highly skilled engineers can assist you in bringing your project to life. Moreover, our state-of-the-art HPS equipment guarantees precision and accuracy, ensuring that we produce your project promptly and cost-effectively. At Prototek, we are committed to providing high-quality services and guarantee that your end product will meet or exceed your expectations. Our personalized customer service also ensures that we meet all your unique project requirements. By choosing Prototek, you can have confidence that your project is in good hands. Furthermore, our expertise and commitment to excellence will make your decision intelligent.

What do our customers say about us?
They are competitively priced for their services and a very personable team to work with. If you haven't used them - do it! You'll have a lifelong vendor you be happy with that repeatedly goes above and beyond what is asked.
Product Designer
We are extremely happy with the quality of the parts as well as the level of service - thanks!
VP Product Designer