Optimization Studies on Improving the Strength Characteristic for Parts Made of Photosensitive Polymer

Abstract

Stereolithography process enables various freeform geometries to be manufactured which are beneficial to many research and development fields, such as aerospace, consumer and marine application, Industrial and rapid tooling particularly in medicine. The mechanical properties of stereolithography (Photopolymer parts) models can generally be influenced by not only the material characteristics, but also the method of manufacturing. Since the stereolithography process relies on the layer manufacturing concept as well as involves in the post-curing process, it is possible for stereolithography model to exhibit the directional dependence mechanical properties. The objectives of the present work focused on the influence of build parameters such as Layer thickness, orientations, hatch space and the influence of ultraviolet post-curing period to mechanical properties which are the most significant to the strength of stereolithography product. In this paper, a CIBA TOOL 5530 commercial epoxy Photo-curable resin was used in SL 5000 machine and attempt has been made to identify the process parameters that influence on the strength of parts used for rapid tooling and optimize the parameter levels by using Taguchi technique. The optimum levels of the parameters contributing to higher tensile strength of the part are the end results of the paper, which is very useful information for machine designers as well as RP machine users.