The efficiency of the product development lifecycle is critical. The prototyping phase, a key stage in this lifecycle, often presents... Continue reading
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3D printing with Digital Light Projection
What is DLP prototyping?
DLP is a 3D printing technology that has similarities to SLA but is much faster. As with SLA, DLP uses light to cure a liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, to build parts with high accuracy and quality.
With a wide variety of materials available, DLP is an extremely versatile technology.
When is DLP used for 3D printing?
DLP is suitable for prototyping applications such as concept models, visual models and functional prototypes. It is equally useful for making masters for vacuum casting, sacrificial patterns for investment casting, jigs and fixtures, and very low volumes of end-use parts.
Unlike some 3D printing technologies, DLP parts are not porous and their material properties are, effectively, isotropic.
DLP prototype parts usually simulate parts that will be injection moulded once they are in production.
DLP 3D printing capabilities
Our DLP figure 4 standalone 3D Printer has a build envelope of 124.8 x 70.2 x 196 mm (XYZ). Horizontal resolution is 65 microns and layer thickness is from 10 to 100 microns, depending on the material.
A variety of materials is available to suit many diverse applications.
Materials for DLP 3D printing
We currently stock these DLP materials to meet most requirements:
UL94 V0 rated flame-retardant black plastic with >150˚C heat deflection temperature
A tough, production-grade flame-retardant additive manufacturing material that passes UL94 V0 test standards.
A black, flexible, durable, fatigue-resistant, impact-resistant material with long-term environmental stability. Similar properties to polypropylene
A translucent amber material with high strength, stiffness and temperature resistance (>300 °C)
A black material with high stiffness, good thermal resistance (70 °C), and excellent surface quality and repeatability
A mid-tear strength, production-grade rubber combined with Shore 65A hardness and a high elongation at break.
A white plastic for long-term use parts with a good combination of impact strength, elongation, and tensile strength.
For more information, download the material data sheets.
Other materials
In addition, we can order specialist materials:
A material for building sacrificial tooling when casting silicone parts
A black, rubber-like material
A black, flexible, durable material with similar properties to polypropylene
A green material for creating detailed master patterns for investment casting jewellery
A translucent amber material with high stiffness and good thermal resistance, suitable for applications requiring biocompatibility
A white material with high stiffness, good thermal resistance (102 °C) and excellent humidity/moisture resistance, suitable for applications requiring biocompatibility
A grey, rigid material with high build speed
A grey, rigid, durable material
A black, malleable material with high tear strength for producing hard, rubber-like parts requiring long-term environmental stability
Characteristics of DLP 3D printed parts
The key advantages of DLP technology are the ultra-fast build speed and the high quality achieved. Parts can have intricate details and smooth surfaces.
Mechanical properties depend on the material selected, but anything from flexible, rubber-like parts to rigid, temperature-resistant parts can be built. To some extent, the finishing options vary from one material to the next.
See our page about materials for 3D printing to learn more.
Finishing options for DLP 3D printed parts
The choice of finishes relates to the material and service level.
After the build process is complete, parts are washed in IPA to remove any uncured resin, hardened for one hour in a UV oven, then the support structures and witness marks are removed. Some customers opt for parts to receive a light bead blast, and a clear lacquer can be applied.
Further options include sanding to remove build lines, and priming and painting. We can also apply a blackout/EMI/RFI coating to the insides of parts and a rubberised ‘soft feel’ coating to the exterior.
Additional assembly operations include fitting threaded inserts.
See our Finishing options page to learn more.
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Talk to us
Do you need DLP 3D printed parts? Talk to us 01763 249760 or complete the enquiry form below to request a quote.
Model Making & Workshop team
Our model making and AP/AM workshop team deliver high-quality 3D printed and vacuum cast prototype parts. We offer next day dispatch on SLS, SLA, Polyjet and DLP. Request a quote for your next prototype project.
Tim Rowell
Quality & Operations Manager
Gemma Zouher-Lewis
RP Team Leader
Jordan Cooney
RP Technician
Nick Crown
RP Technician
Chris Johnson
RP Technician
Hemal Maisuria
RP Technician
Leon Willis
Workshop Assistant/Delivery Driver
Adam Sharkey
3D Print Team Leader
Alex Barnett
Senior RP Technician
Jan Mlynarcik
3D Print CAD Technician
Luke Webb
RP 3D Printing CAD Technician