Process planning method for mask projection micro-stereolithography

Purpose - Mask projection micro-stereolithography (MPμSLA) is an additive manufacturing process capable for fabricating true three-dimensional microparts and hence, holds promise as a potential 3D MEMS fabrication process. With only a few MPμSLA systems developed and studied so far, the research in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Rapid prototyping journal 2007-04, Vol.13 (2), p.76-84
Main Authors: Limaye, A.S., Rosen, D.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Curing
Light
Microelectromechanical systems
Offset printing
Process planning
Radiation
Rapid prototyping
Studies
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Summary:Purpose - Mask projection micro-stereolithography (MPμSLA) is an additive manufacturing process capable for fabricating true three-dimensional microparts and hence, holds promise as a potential 3D MEMS fabrication process. With only a few MPμSLA systems developed and studied so far, the research in this field is inchoate and experimental in nature. In order to employ the MPμSLA technology for microfabrication, it is necessary to model its part building process and formulate a process planning method to cure dimensionally accurate microparts. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a process planning method for curing dimensionally accurate layers.Design methodology approach - A MPμSLA system is designed and assembled. The process of curing a single layer in resin using this system is modeled as the layer cure model. The layer cure model is validated by curing test layers. This model is used to formulate a process planning method to cure dimensionally accurate layers. The process planning method is tested by conducting a case study.Findings - The layer cure model is found to be valid within 3 percent for most of the features and within 10 percent for very small features (
ISSN:1355-2546
1758-7670
DOI:10.1108/13552540710736759