Printed parts on the machine are generated in the rapid prototyping (RP) environment under the control of the system operators. The system must be run by technicians who are trained in proper usage of the system and its resins. All design and process considerations are compatible with an RP environment. The three-dimensional solid parts that are printed consist of different resins that cure when exposed to 405 nm radiation. The operator loads a bottle of print material, also called "resin," into a material-delivery module (MDM). The MDM then pumps resin into a Printer's resin tray. Once the operator sends a print job to a Printer, he or she places a print platform onto the unit's elevator arms. The platform lowers into the resin tray until it is one layer length from the bottom of the resin. Using a proprietary printing system that 3D Systems has developed, a radiation pattern is cast onto the underside of the resin tray and through to the bottom of the resin. This radiation causes a phase change in the resin that converts it into a solid polymer, adhering it to the print platform. After a layer has cured, the elevator moves the print platform up by one layer length and the radiation pattern for the next layer is projected. This process repeats, layer by layer, until the build file is complete. The print platform, along with the part, is removed from the Printer. Then, the part is cleaned and post-cured to provide a finished part.
Figure 4® Modular System
A | Controller - Houses the touch screen user interface, control computer, and inputs for network cable and power |
B | Light Stack - Show the status of the Printer using different, colored lights |
C |
Upper Build Chamber - Contains the upper parts of the print engine, the print platform, and resin tray |
D |
Lower Build Chamber - Contains the lower parts of the print engine, as well as the Material Delivery Module (MDM) and pneumatics system |
Printable Area
124.8 x 70.2 x 346 mm (4.9 x 2.8 x 13.6 in)
Modular Controller Components
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Modular Printer Components
Front of upper engine
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Resin Tray
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Print Platform
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Lower Build Chamber
Overview
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