Microstereolithography of embedded micro-channels
Abstract
Stereolithography is a type of rapid prototyping process that fabricates parts using a laser to solidify 2D layers of the part on the surface a resin. For fabricating a stereolithography part, the 3D CAD drawing of the part is saved as an STL file, then the STL file is sliced into 2D layers, and saved as a BFF file. The laser is guided on the surface of a photo-reactive resin by the 2D layers. The resin undergoes photopolymerization when hit by the laser and the layers of resin bond together to form a part. Stereolithography parts and its supports are built from the same material. Advantages of stereolithography over traditional manufacturing processes are that there is no loss of material, any 3D CAD drawing can be fabricated and reduced fabrication time. Utilizing these advantages for fabricating micro-channels was investigated and the results are presented in this work.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering
Recommended Citation
Ranade, Atul V, "Microstereolithography of embedded micro-channels" (2005). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1425913.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1425913