Posted to News on 22nd Apr 2016, 15:51
Intertronics brings UV post-cure to 3D SLA polymer printing
Recent developments in 3D printing technology have popularised the SLA (stereolithography) technology of laser printing in a bath of UV-curable photopolymer resin. This process effectively "grows" a component in the bath so that as it is withdrawn, each successive layer is laser light cured. It is a process which can be many times faster than other 3D technologies, but does frequently need additional post-curing to ensure the component attains full strength and that any excess polymer that does not drain away in the build or growth process is completed cured.
The DYMAX UV flood lamp and spot curing systems from Intertronics are well suited both for this post-curing application, and also for subsequent re-working and repair.
Intertronics explain that Dymax UV light-curing flood-lamp systems are designed for area curing or for curing multiple assemblies at once. These flood-lamp models use a powerful UV light-curing lamp (up to 225mW/cm2) for fast curing over a 13 × 13cm area. For rework or repair, such as curing drain-hole fills, assembling larger assemblies, or repairing cracked or broken models, the company's BlueWave 200 3.0 spot-lamp system is a useful product. This unit is a high-intensity lamp that emits energy in the UVA and visible portion of the spectrum (300-450nm) and is well suited for either manual or automated processes. It contains an integral shutter which can be actuated by a foot pedal or PLC and a universal power input that allows operation globally and provides consistent performance at any voltage.
DYMAX UV flood and spot lamps may be used as bench-top curing systems or integrated into automated production lines where they provide the industry's most consistent light intensity over their 2000 hour bulb warranty.
For further information about the DYMAX UV flood lamp and spot curing systems please see www.intertronics.co.uk/uv-curing, or visit the Intertronics blog at www.adhere.uk.com.
