Initial Research Pathway

Initial research pathways:


  • Used gAI, ChatGPT to research on the different technologies of resin 3D printing. The 3 main technology used are as follows

    • Stereolithography (SLA)

    • Digital Light Processing (DLP)

    • Masked Stereolithography (mSLA)

Looked up on Google Scholar for more information on stereolithography

  • Decided to focus on Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), which is a successor to the Masked Stereolithography (mSLA). We will be looking in the perspective of an aspiring small business

  • Looked at different industrial models of mSLA 3D printers and chose the Formlabs Form 3L as it was the most popular model in the industry

  • Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) is an advanced form of stereolithography that minimizes tanks and a Light Processing Unit (LPU) to achieve precise layer curing with reduced peel forces. The key benefits of LFS include improved surface quality, higher accuracy, and the ability to print complex geometries with minimal support structures. This makes LFS particularly suitable for applications requiring high detail and smooth finishes, such as dental models, jewelry, and intricate prototypes.

  • Formlabs Form 3L is a large-format resin 3D printer designed for professional use.

    • Volume: 335 x 200 x 300 mm

    • Utilises Low Force Stereolithography 

    • High precision: Achieves consistent accuracy and detail

    • Ease of Use: Features a high-resolution touchscreen interface, automatic resin dispensing, and simple print preparation software

    • Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet, and USB

 -  Some applications of resin 3D printing:

- Prototyping (/Rapid)

- Manufacturing

- Dental and Medical parts/equipment

- Jewelry

- Education and Research

- Entertainment and Art


150-200 words: description, feature, function, thesis (opinion on the tech), minimum 3 articles

How basic stereolithography (SLA) works:

(Temporary sources:)

SLA - one of the earliest and most widely used forms of additive manufacturing. It works by using a laser to cure and solidify layers of a photopolymer resin.

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/9/1138 - A Review of Stereolithography: Processes and Systems

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/7/3591 - Photopolymerization of Ceramic Resins by Stereolithography Process: A Review


  1. 3D model created using CAD, sliced into multiple thin layers

  2. Printer uses a UV laser to trace a layer of model onto the surface of liquid resin, resin solidifies (Cures) where the laser hits.

  3. Build platform lowers slightly, and next layer is traced and cured. This repeats until the entire object is formed.

  4. Object is then removed from resin and typically undergoes additional curing in a UV oven to ensure full polymerisation and strength

MSLA - variation of SLA that uses a digital light projector to cure the resin. Instead of a laser, MSLA uses an LCD screen to project an image of each layer onto the resin surface.

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/9/1138 - A Review of Stereolithography: Processes and Systems

https://viterbi-web.usc.edu/~yongchen/Papers/2014_Before/Digital_Material_RPJ_Printed.pdf - Digital material fabrication using mask-image-projection-based stereolithography


  1. Preparation: Similar to SLA, a 3D model is sliced into layers.

  2. Layer Projection: An LCD screen displays the entire layer pattern at once, and a UV light source cures the resin through the mask created by the LCD.

  3. Layer Curing: The build platform lowers, and the next layer is projected and cured. This process continues layer by layer.

  4. Post-Processing: The object is removed and further cured if necessary.

MSLA can be faster than traditional SLA because it cures an entire layer at once rather than tracing it with a laser


LFS - an advanced form of SLA designed to reduce the forces exerted on the part during the printing process. This is achieved through a flexible tank and a linear illumination system.

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/9/1138 - A Review of Stereolithography: Processes and Systems

https://pure.hw.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/10766137/Melchels2010_Biomaterials_31_24_6121.pdf - A review on stereolithography and its applications in biomedical engineering


  1. Preparation: The 3D model is sliced into layers.

  2. Layer-by-Layer Printing: A linear illumination system cures the resin layer by layer. The flexible tank allows for gentle peeling of each layer, reducing the stress on the part.

  3. Layer Curing: The build platform lowers, and the next layer is cured. The flexible tank minimizes the forces during this step.

  4. Post-Processing: The printed object is removed and typically undergoes additional curing.





References



https://3dpros.com/printers/formlabs-form-3l

https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/form-3l/?ppinv=1

https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/formlabs-form-3l-sla-3d-printer

https://www.additive-x.com/blog/your-guide-to-the-formlabs-form-3l/

https://formlabs.com/blog/new-improvements-form-3l/

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/9/1138

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-90-481-9751-4_377

https://scholar.google.com/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12206-023-1113-2

https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8091138

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