Application of stereolithography to chemical engineering: 'From macro to micro'

The accuracy of the conventional stereolithography process has been improved to shape microstructures, especially for chemical engineering applications. Thus, a new recoating system has been developed to allow the deposition of resin or suspension layers with thickness ranging from 5 to 40 *mm. More...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering research & design 2005-02, Vol.83 (2), p.133-138
Main Authors: DUFAUD, O, LE GALL, H, CORBEL, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Heat exchangers and evaporators
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The accuracy of the conventional stereolithography process has been improved to shape microstructures, especially for chemical engineering applications. Thus, a new recoating system has been developed to allow the deposition of resin or suspension layers with thickness ranging from 5 to 40 *mm. Moreover, the influences of photomaterial formulation and of oxygen inhibition have been discussed with regard to polymerization kinetics and process accuracy. As a consequence, lateral and vertical resolutions of conventional stereolithography have been improved to 50 and 5 *mm respectively. Finally, microstructures such as microtransducers, micropumps and heat exchangers have been created by stereolithography. As a result, the contribution of these microstructures to process intensification and local control has to be considered.
ISSN:0263-8762
DOI:10.1205/cherd.03132