Optimizing stereolithography throughput

Abstract

The stereolithography (SL) process, although a relatively new technology, has revolutionized the domain of part and process research and development.1–3 SL is used to produce parts for various purposes throughout the aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical products industries, as well as many others. The applications for stereolithography parts include design verification models, methods and tool development models, casting models, and marketing aids. Its success in a myriad of applications has unfortunately often resulted in a production backlog for many SL machines. In addition, because the technology is new, and technological improvements have occurred quickly and involve such drastic changes, most client companies are using SL in suboptimized ways, resulting in less than maximum throughput and with nonpeak geometric and physical properties. A systematic but efficient use of experimental design can help companies more quickly advance up the learning curve and to increase their throughput of SL parts. This can be done with relatively little testing, and the payback is well worth the money and time invested.