Development of methodology for multi-material VAT photopolymerization printing

Abstract

This study aims to develop a methodology for multi-material vat photopolymerization printing and conceptualize a viable prototype with a reduced footprint. Vat photopolymerization is a well-established technology where detailed objects can be manufactured with photo-curable resin.

There have been previous attempts in multi-material vat photopolymerization. Their methodologies and learnings are well-studied and analyzed. The approaches to achieve fully automated multi-material printing are evaluated. In this study, a series of systematic experiments were carried out utilizing vat photopolymerization printing to understand the parameters and limitations of hardware and photopolymer resins. These experiments also investigated multi-material printing capabilities such as multi-material printing within multiple layers and within the same layer with static or dynamic layer thickness. These experiments provided valuable insights for optimizing printing methodologies and expanding the scope of multi-material printing capabilities. Concurrently, based on the above studies a prototype was developed aiming at key factors such as multi-material vat photopolymerization capability, full automation, commercial applicability, and compact form factor. Based on a commercially available vat photopolymerization printer, the new prototype was developed by integrating in-house developed hardware along with the control system.

The envisioned outcome of this research is a fully automated commercial multi-material VAT photopolymerization printer, poised to facilitate diverse applications in research and manufacturing of end-user products. This study represents a significant stride toward realizing the goal of advancing technological capabilities in the realm of multi-material printing.