What is Stereolithography?
Stereolithography has many names and few of them are 3D layering, 3D printing, solid free-form fabrication, photo-solidification and solid imaging. It is the most common and extensively used form of rapid manufacturing and rapid prototyping. Stereolithography fabricates 3D parts and allows creating solid 3D objects from CAD models with high precision and excellent surface finish within few hours (time depends upon size and complexity). Machines used for Stereolithography are known as Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA).
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Stereolithography provides a quick and simple means to convert CAD models into real objects. This is very useful where time is money. The constraint as mentioned above is that the time to produce three dimensional parts depends upon the size and complexity of the object. The accuracy is very good having tolerance within .004″/inch. The problem again is that SLA devices or machines are too expensive. Photo-curable resin used in Stereolithography can cost as high as $800 per gallon. Then the process involved in SLA produces fumes due to which it requires a well ventilated environment
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Having the ability to reconstruct items using rapid prototyping has made a difference in many ways. One example would be the Buddha of Infinite Light, Amida. This is a carved figure made of wood and lacquered. Believed to have originated in the 13th century, it is a wonderful piece of art that tells us much about the earlier cultures. However, the Buddha is believed to have originally been adorned with a necklace, topknot and crown.
The Buddha was the inspiration it took to build another one using rapid prototyping. Adding the missing adornments was one of the purposes for doing this. The reconstructed Buddha was made using 0.1 mm layers and was based on 3D scanning at close range. In addition, digital modeling was used and the end result was the Buddha with the accessories that were believed to be missing.
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Rapid Prototyping is a very popular process in the manufacturing, design, and medical industries. It help users to develop quick prototypes and obtain accurate feedback from their target audience.
The high demand for rapid prototyping services can be attributed to a number of factors. These services help in eliminating design flaws at the conceptualization stage itself. There are a number of devices that assist in rapid prototyping; 3D Printers being one of them.
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