Optimization of PDMS Photoresin for Three-Dimensional Printng via Projection Micro-Stereolithography
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
As an industry, additive manufacturing (AM) has provided a way to quickly build structures in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the ability to utilize a computer aided design file to build said structures permits rapid customization of parts. Threedimensional (3D) printing, specifically projection micro-stereolithography (PμSL), has these qualities in addition to not being restricted by a structure’s geometry. However, printing using a PμSL system is limited by the chemistry the resin undergoes and by resin viscosity. In this work, silicone structures were printed via a thiol-ene “click” reaction, which is less sensitive to oxygen inhibition compared to commercial resins. The resin chemistry was optimized in order to decrease feature size. Formulation changes along with various light intensity doses and exposure times resulted in a 50% decrease in feature sizes. Silica filler was added to the resin to increase mechanical strength. A postcure procedure did not improve the material’s strength, suggesting a full cure is reached during printing.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1460080
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-TR--752770; 938868
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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