In this work laser stereolitography (SLA) is proposed as Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) method for the fabrication of complex shape components of sintered fused SiO2. Starting from a 3D CAD model, the ceramic objects are produced by direct laser stereolithography on a pre-ceramic UV curable suspension. A stereolithography apparatus, SLA-250 (3D Systems, Valencia, CA), operating with a He-Cd laser at 325 nm (UV), was used for green fabrication layer by layer. The building parameters (critical energy, depth penetration) and the organic composition of the suspension were optimized in order to improve the resolution and to minimise the scattering effect of the dispersed particles. The burn-out and sintering temperature cycle were defined, in order to obtain amorphous silica components. Microstructural and mechanical properties of sintered samples were improved using a silica based solid sintering additive. Complex shape prototype were built for testing and as process reliability proof.
Rapid prototyping of amorphous silica through laser stereolitography
FERSINI, MAURIZIO;MONTAGNA, FRANCESCO;LICCIULLI, ANTONIO ALESSANDRO;MAFFEZZOLI, Alfonso
2007-01-01
Abstract
In this work laser stereolitography (SLA) is proposed as Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) method for the fabrication of complex shape components of sintered fused SiO2. Starting from a 3D CAD model, the ceramic objects are produced by direct laser stereolithography on a pre-ceramic UV curable suspension. A stereolithography apparatus, SLA-250 (3D Systems, Valencia, CA), operating with a He-Cd laser at 325 nm (UV), was used for green fabrication layer by layer. The building parameters (critical energy, depth penetration) and the organic composition of the suspension were optimized in order to improve the resolution and to minimise the scattering effect of the dispersed particles. The burn-out and sintering temperature cycle were defined, in order to obtain amorphous silica components. Microstructural and mechanical properties of sintered samples were improved using a silica based solid sintering additive. Complex shape prototype were built for testing and as process reliability proof.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
