Additive Manufacturing Technologies: An Overview about 3D Printing Methods and Future Prospects

Table 3

Stereolithography (SL).

Resin Solidification - Stereolithography
	The material undergoes point-to-point solidification due to the photopolymerisation laser being directed onto a 2D cross-section of the model (XY plane). The platform gradually descends (Z plane) in accordance with the height of the layer defined [10].
	Layer thickness varies from between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. The precision in SL is +/- 0.2% (min. +/- 0.2 mm). Maximum model size: 2100x700x800 mm.
	The following materials can be used (epoxy-acrylic resins: Poly1500, PP, TuskXC2700T / Tusk2700W, Tusk SolidGrey3000, Flex70B, NeXt, Protogen White, Xtreme, WaterClear [11].; The properties of the material NeXt are: tensile modulus: 2370-2490 Mpa; tensile strength: 31-35 Mpa; elongation at rupture: 8-10%; flexural modulus: 2415-2525 Mpa; bending strength: 68-71 Mpa; impact strength: 47-52 J/m; deformation under load temperature: 48-57°C.
	Advantages and disadvantages; The quality and surface finish are good or very good. Great precisions and transparent parts can be obtained.; The equipment and materials are medium-high cost. They have problems to obtain pieces with cantilevers or internal holes due to the difficulty of removing the supports.