200
B. Suryatal et al.
Keywords Stereolithography (STL) · Digital light processing (DLP) projector ·
Photopolymer · Photoinitiator
1 Introduction
Nowadays, rapid prototypes of the different objects are required before its actual
manufacturing because one can improve the design before its actual manufacturing.
This technology is very fast growing one and can be applicable to all the fields,
i.e., engineering as well as non-engineering. The present 3D printers available in
the market are very costly one. In this research paper, a low-cost stereolithography
apparatus (SLA) was developed which will be affordable to anybody with low cost
of printing. Ikuta et al. [1] introduced micro stereolithography technology and also
proposed a means of applying micro stereolithography in mass-production using an
optical fiber array so that multiple microstructures could be fabricated in a single
process. Bertsch et al. [2] developed a micro stereolithography apparatus employing
a pattern generator in which a UV laser and dynamic LCD pattern generator were
used to generate the cross-section of a 3D structure. While the substrate did not
move in the x–y-direction in the liquid photopolymer, an LCD pattern generation
system was necessary. Itoga et al. [3] developed maskless photolithography device
by modifying liquid crystal display (LCD) projector optics from magnified to reduced
projection. But they arise problems in jagged pattern boundaries due to the liquid
crystal panel structure and collapse pattern of the boundary divided on divisional
exposure using the auto-XY stage. Hadipoespito et al. [4] developed DMD-based
UV microstereolithography system for fabricating 2D and 3D microparts providing
reasonable curing speed and good resolution at a low cost. In this method, process
optimization is needed to improve the quality of fabricated microparts. Zhou and
Chen [5] presented a novel AM process based on the mask video projection. For
each layer, a set of mask images instead of a single image is planned based on
the principle of optimized pixel blending. Compared to fused deposition modelling
(FDM) machines, machines for DLP stereolithography are expensive and thus not
available to a broad range of users as it is the case with FDM 3D printers. Gandhi
et al. [6] analyzed various optical scanning schemes used for MSL systems by optical
simulations and experiments. The mechanical design of the scanning mechanism is
carried out to meet requirements of high speed and resolution. The system integration
and investigation in process parameters are carried out and large microcomponents
with high resolution are fabricated. Valentincic et al. [7] conclude that constrained
B. Suryatal et al.
Keywords Stereolithography (STL) · Digital light processing (DLP) projector ·
Photopolymer · Photoinitiator
1 Introduction
Nowadays, rapid prototypes of the different objects are required before its actual
manufacturing because one can improve the design before its actual manufacturing.
This technology is very fast growing one and can be applicable to all the fields,
i.e., engineering as well as non-engineering. The present 3D printers available in
the market are very costly one. In this research paper, a low-cost stereolithography
apparatus (SLA) was developed which will be affordable to anybody with low cost
of printing. Ikuta et al. [1] introduced micro stereolithography technology and also
proposed a means of applying micro stereolithography in mass-production using an
optical fiber array so that multiple microstructures could be fabricated in a single
process. Bertsch et al. [2] developed a micro stereolithography apparatus employing
a pattern generator in which a UV laser and dynamic LCD pattern generator were
used to generate the cross-section of a 3D structure. While the substrate did not
move in the x–y-direction in the liquid photopolymer, an LCD pattern generation
system was necessary. Itoga et al. [3] developed maskless photolithography device
by modifying liquid crystal display (LCD) projector optics from magnified to reduced
projection. But they arise problems in jagged pattern boundaries due to the liquid
crystal panel structure and collapse pattern of the boundary divided on divisional
exposure using the auto-XY stage. Hadipoespito et al. [4] developed DMD-based
UV microstereolithography system for fabricating 2D and 3D microparts providing
reasonable curing speed and good resolution at a low cost. In this method, process
optimization is needed to improve the quality of fabricated microparts. Zhou and
Chen [5] presented a novel AM process based on the mask video projection. For
each layer, a set of mask images instead of a single image is planned based on
the principle of optimized pixel blending. Compared to fused deposition modelling
(FDM) machines, machines for DLP stereolithography are expensive and thus not
available to a broad range of users as it is the case with FDM 3D printers. Gandhi
et al. [6] analyzed various optical scanning schemes used for MSL systems by optical
simulations and experiments. The mechanical design of the scanning mechanism is
carried out to meet requirements of high speed and resolution. The system integration
and investigation in process parameters are carried out and large microcomponents
with high resolution are fabricated. Valentincic et al. [7] conclude that constrained