3D Printing Service:
Stereolithography QuickCast®
Our Stereolithography (SLA) QuickCast® services offer:
- High Resolution/High Detailed Parts
- Tool-less Production of Casting Patterns
- Complex Large, Lightweight Parts and Prototypes
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and ITAR
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and ITAR
-
Instant and
Engineer-Assisted
Quotes - 100+ Materials
-
40+ Surface
Finishes -
Certifications:
ISO 9001:2015,
AS9100D, and ITAR -
In-House Services: 3D Printing,
CNC Machining, Urethane Casting,
and Sheet Metal Fabrication
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.
What is Stereolithography QuickCast®?
Stereolithography QuickCast® is an innovative and advanced rapid prototyping technique that leverages the capabilities of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing to create intricate investment casting patterns. This groundbreaking process enables the swift and cost-effective production of complex metal parts by utilizing 3D printing to build a sacrificial pattern, which is subsequently used to form a mold for casting. By integrating the design flexibility of additive manufacturing with the strength and precision of traditional casting methods, Stereolithography QuickCast® presents an efficient solution particularly suited for producing low-volume, high-complexity metal components. Additionally, this cutting-edge approach offers considerable time and cost savings, opening up new horizons for manufacturing intricate metal parts with remarkable precision and quality.
How does Stereolithography QuickCast® work?
Stereolithography QuickCast® is an advanced rapid prototyping process that utilizes a UV-curable liquid photopolymer resin to create high-quality, functional parts with exceptional precision. This innovative process entails a highly focused laser that selectively cures the resin layer by layer, meticulously building the part from the bottom up. Consequently, this sophisticated additive manufacturing technique not only allows for the creation of complex geometries but also enables the production of intricate details that traditional manufacturing methods may struggle to achieve. Therefore, Stereolithography QuickCast® has emerged as an ideal solution for various applications across industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Moreover, its versatility and ability to produce highly accurate prototypes make it an invaluable tool for engineers and designers looking to bring their concepts to life quickly and efficiently.
Advantages to Stereolithography QuickCast®
Stereolithography QuickCast® technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of stereolithography QuickCast®:
- Accurate, complex patterns with intricate details.
- Highly repeatable.
- Large build envelope.
- High detail/high resolution
- Parts can be made very fast.
Disadvantages to Stereolithography QuickCast®
While there are a lot of advantages to stereolithography QuickCast®, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Supports are need, build orientation must be considered.
- SLA can be more costly than other AM technologies.
- Patterns can be brittle.
Stereolithography QuickCast® at Prototek
Stereolithography QuickCast® Machine Companies:
3D Systems and Stratasys
Stereolithography QuickCast® File Types:
Preferred Files: Solid, STEP, and DFX
Max Build Chamber Area:
31 x 31 x 23 in
Lead Time:
1 – 3 Days
Material:
3D Systems Accura®: 25, 60, ClearVue, and SL 5530
Tolerances:
± 0.005 in for the first inch and ± 0.0015 in/in for each additional inch
Layer Thickness:
The normal resolution layer thickness is 0.004 in, and the minimum feature size is 0.012 in.
The high-resolution layer thickness is 0.002 in, and the minimum feature size is 0.006 in (feature size depends on geometry).
Prototek's Materials
Accura® 25
Accura® 25 is fast and easy to process, effectively simulating the properties and aesthetics of polypropylene. Additionally, it offers high flexibility, durability, and precision.
Tensile Strength
5,540 – 5,570 psi
Tensile Modulus
230 – 240 ksi
Elongation @ Break
13 – 20%
Flexural Strength
7,960 – 8,410 psi
Flexural Modulus
200 – 240 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
124° – 131° F
Accura® 60
Accura® 60 is a high-quality, high-performance clear/translucent plastic for SLA. Its unique properties make it perfect for producing solid and rigid parts with the appearance of molded polycarbonate.
Tensile Strength
8,410 – 9,860 psi
Tensile Modulus
390 – 450 ksi
Elongation @ Break
5 – 13%
Flexural Strength
12,620 – 14,650 psi
Flexural Modulus
392 – 435 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
118° – 122° F
Accura® ClearVue
Accura® ClearVue is a high-quality material known for its exceptional clarity, making it perfect for applications requiring visual appeal.
Tensile Strength
6,700 – 7,700 psi
Tensile Modulus
329 – 383 ksi
Elongation @ Break
3 – 15%
Flexural Strength
10,400 – 12,200 psi
Flexural Modulus
287 – 335 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
122° F
Accura® SL 5530
Accura® SL 5530 is perfect for creating durable, functional pieces that are solid and stable. Additionally, its translucent color makes post-processing and finishing easier.
Tensile Strength
8,267 – 9,137 psi
Tensile Modulus
414 – 454 ksi
Elongation @ Break
2.7 – 4.4%
Flexural Strength
15,809 – 17,405 psi
Flexural Modulus
431 – 492 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
133° F
Design Recommendations
Stereolithography (SLA) QuickCast® master patterns offer a versatile and efficient solution for producing high-quality investment casting patterns. When designing these patterns, it is essential to consider the following key recommendations:
Thin-Walled Geometry
Optimize the pattern design with thin, uniform wall thicknesses to facilitate rapid burn-out during the casting process.
Hollow Internal Structure
Incorporate a hollow internal structure to minimize material usage and reduce pattern weight, enabling easier handling and investment.
Strategically Placed Vents
Incorporate vents at critical locations to allow gases to escape during pattern burn-out, ensuring a clean and complete casting.
Smooth Surface Finish
Prioritize a smooth surface finish to minimize the need for post-processing and achieve high-quality casting results.
Dimensional Accuracy
Carefully design the pattern to account for material shrinkage during the SLA printing and investment casting processes, ensuring dimensional accuracy in the final cast part.
| 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 |
Prototek's
Other Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Why choose Prototek for your next Stereolithography QuickCast® project?
Prototek is the perfect partner for all your Stereolithography QuickCast® needs. With our advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, experienced engineering team, and unwavering commitment to quality, we can provide rapid, cost-effective casting patterns that meet your precise specifications. Additionally, you can rely on Prototek to efficiently and reliably bring your next project to life.
