3D Printing Service:
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
Parts in 3 to 5 days.
Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) is used for:
- Part Consolidation
- High Detail and Excellent Surface Finish
- Isotropic Mechanical Properties
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, & ITAR Registered
* Not all locations have all certifications and registrations. Parts requiring these will be made at facilities with the correct certifications and registrations.
Our Digital Manufacturing Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team begins production once the project specifications are finalized and the quote is accepted.
When the part has been completed and finished, it passes through quality control.
After your part goes through quality control, our team ships the part(s) to you.
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.
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:
- Open platform for materials.
- Materials with excellent mechanical properties.
- Extremely fine surface finishes.
Disadvantages to Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
While there are a lot of advantages to HybridPhotosynthesis, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Supports needed.
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
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
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.
| Feature | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
0.03 in |
|
|
Escape Holes |
0.04 in |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 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 |
|
|
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.
A comparison of AM photopolymer technologies stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis.
Prototek's
Other Additive Manufacturing Technologies
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.
