Effect of DLP 3D printing process parameters on mechanical properties of UV-cured photopolymer

Abstract

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a VAT photopolymerization 3D printing technology which allows additive manufacturing of complex structures by photopolymerization of photosensitive resin. Despite the rising interest in DLP, there is a lack of study in optimizing the printing process parameters with a goal of achieving specific mechanical properties of the final printed outcome. Also, various parameters make it difficult to attain a prediction model directly related to and representing final properties of printed outcome. The theoretical model suggested in this paper aims to minimize the number of experiments required for DLP setup and to predict the mechanical properties more accurately and straightforwardly. Only simple experiments of measuring cured depths with respect to light exposure are required to establish material characterization, then it directly leads to the prediction model and allows easy prediction of final properties that are often not considered in VAT-photopolymerization studies. Lastly, the surface morphologies are investigated with Confocal Microscopy.