3D Printing

Make bigger stereolithography parts

Stereolithography is often viewed as capable of building only smallish parts, say roughly 10 in. by 10 in. by 10 in.

At this year’s recent Additive Manufacturing Users Conference, one company displayed the ability to build large vat photopolymerization parts. Union Tech Inc. showed the potential of stereolithography technology for prototypes and beyond based on advances in equipment, materials and application know-how.

Somos’ Samurai “Top 3” finish in the Advanced Finishing Division of the AMUG Technical Competition. The hands and helmet were produced on Union Tech Inc. equipment.

At the booth, the Union Tech Inc. team discussed how its SL system is open design for user based material and vendor selection and the combination of design components that produce superior side wall quality directly from the machine. The build table is a granite recoater base. Other parts in the machine come from internationally recognized suppliers such as Spectra-Physics, SCANLAB, Materialise and Panasonic.

RP Sales America, Inc., US Distributor for the UnionTech SL equipment, exhibited parts built on their RSPro600 and Pilot SD machine that illustrated a range of applications including light weight structures, investment casting patterns and metal/SL hybrid parts.

Geoff Combs (center) from Aerosport Modeling and Design, a new UnionTech customer, stopped by to talk and look over the equipment with Jeremy Vos (right) Sales Director, RP Sales, and Dan Terpstra (left) President, RP Support America.

Another opportunity to learn about the potential of stereolithography arrived during the AMUG technical competition and part finishing. On display, was a wide range of objects developed using only additive manufacturing materials and equipment. The Somos team created a Japanese Samurai with the helmet and hands produced on Union Tech Inc. equipment using various Somos materials. Members of the Somos team said the initial finish on both parts was a high-quality finish. The smoother finish drastically reduced the amount of time needed to prepare and sand them for painting.

On display at the Union Tech booth was a wide range of parts representing application capabilities. The part above demonstrates the ability to create reinforced hollow parts with full control over sidewall thickness.

RP Sales America, Inc.
www.rpsales.us