DEVELOPMENT OF A NUMERICAL MODEL TO PREDICT THE GEOMETRY AND CONVERSION RATIO OF PARTS MANUFACTURED THROUGH A MASK IMAGE PROJECTION BASED IN STEREOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS

Abstract

Mask Image Projection based on Stereolithography (MIP-SL) uses photocurable materials to built-up a 3D part by means of an Additive Manufacturing process. The accuracy, resolution and mechanical properties of printed parts depend on the material conversion ratio value at each location of the manufacturing domain. Therefore, the use of numerical models to determine the material conversion ratio according to the characteristics of the printing process is a key factor to optimize and improve the quality of printed parts. In this paper, a new numerical model to simulate the manufacturing process is presented. This model takes the pixel-blending effect as well as the multi-layered characteristics of the process into account.  Several experimental measurements are performed to calibrate the numerical model. Finally, the estimated printed geometries provided by the numerical model are successfully compared with experimental results.