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 The
system is driven by an .stl file, similar to most RP systems, and
the light sensitive Acrylic resin solidifies when it is exposed to
the light source.
The machine's software takes the individual .stl layer and effectively
makes a bitmap mask image. This is achieved by an array of one million
digital mirrors (1280 x 1024 pixel) housed in the high resolution
digital light processor.
The mirrors tilt toward the light source to project it where it is
needed to cure the resin, and away to generate the bitmap mask to
block the light.
In this way the whole of the build platform is exposed in one operation
which gives a Z build rate of 15mm/hr at 0.05mm and 25mm/hr at 0.1mm.
The layer thickness can be set from 0.025mm up to 0.15mm.
The build platform is effectively two pieces of ground glass, on the
upper piece, fixed to the Z height control, the first layer of the
model attaches, and the lower, which constitutes the resin holding
tray, helps regulate the layer thickness when the two plates come
together. By squeezing out the excess resin the desired layer thickness
is trapped in between them.
On actuation of the light source the initial layer bonds to the upper
piece of glass on the Z control mechanism. The other side of the layer
has also become fixed to the lower glass plate, but on demand the
vacuum diffuser module initiates separation of the lower glass tray
from the cured layer through a sophisticated tilting mechanism which
peels the glass from the model. As the plates open they let more resin
in between, and the process is then repeated layer by layer.
Total build area ranges from 41-77mm in x, 33-61mm in y and 230mm
in z.
The unique 'Upside down 'build characteristics of the system means
the model leaves the resin as it is being built rather than submerging
in to it.
This, and in conjunction with the 'flash' layer build technique means
minimum support structure is required and virtually no hand finishing
of the model.
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