The Difference Between The Three Light-curing 3D Printer Technologies Of SLA/DLP/LCD

3D printers have developed rapidly in recent years due to their high precision, which can reach the micron level, and mainstream 3D printer suppliers have also launched related models. There are three common types on the market today, including SLA light-curing 3D printers, DLP light-curing 3D printers, and LCD light-curing 3D printers.

1. SLA light curing 3D printer

SLA is the mainstream of the first generation of light curing technology, and there are various translations such as three-dimensional and light-shaped in China. SLA forming technology is not only the earliest and most commercialized rapid prototyping technology in the world but also the most in-depth and widely used rapid prototyping technology.

The SLA forming technology uses ultraviolet light (355nm or 405nm) as the light source and uses the galvanometer system to control the laser spot scanning. The laser beam is to draw a shape of the object on the surface of the liquid resin, then make a platform so that a platform is down (between 0.05-0.025mm), and then the solid layer is immersed in the liquid resin.

2. Differences between SLA and DLP molding technologies

The consumables used in SLA and DLP are all light-curing resins. The principles of the two molding technologies are very similar. Therefore, when the industry studies the molding technology of light-curing 3D printers, they tend to regard these two technologies as similar. There are still many differences.

1: Mechanical structure. DLP uses a digital projector light source, and SLA uses a UV laser light source.

2: Forming speed. DLP works by curing the photopolymer liquid layer by layer with a projector for fast printing. SLA uses a laser beam to draw objects on the surface of liquid resin, from point to line, and from line to surface to form a solid model. This is because the work efficiency is much lower than that of electrons.

3: Printing accuracy. In theory, there is no difference in the printing accuracy of the two, and both can achieve micron-level printing accuracy. However, the light emitted by DLP 3D printers is fan-shaped, so astigmatism occurs when printing, and the edges may be blurred. The light emitted by SLA3d printers is straight, so there are some advantages in actual printing accuracy, but the difference is not obvious. Considering the 3D new generation of DLP light-curing 3D printers, the printing accuracy can reach 20-50 microns, the molding surface is smooth, and the effect of the FDM model cannot be seen by the naked eye, so it is very suitable for dentists, jewelry, animation figures, etc. High printing accuracy field. The current price is more than 50,000 yuan.

Generally speaking, both technologies have advantages and disadvantages, but DLP 3D printers are more advantageous in practical use.

3. DLP light-curing 3D printer.

DLP was born more than 10 years after the advent of SLA technology. The second-generation photochemical method recognized in the industry has a development history of 20 years so far. DLP technology was first developed at Texas Instruments, which is mainly a rapid prototyping technology for forming 3D printed objects by layering and curing photosensitive polymer liquids through projectors.

First, use the slicing software to cut the model into thin slices, play the slideshow on the projector, each image layer produces a photopolymerization reaction in the thin area of the resin layer to make the part form a thin layer, then move the shaping table one layer, the projector Continue to play the next layer of slides and continue to process the next layer. Using this cycle method, the printing ends directly, which not only has high forming accuracy, but also fast printing speed.

4. LCD light-curing 3D printer

Let’s talk about the forming principle of a light-curing 3D printer first. In fact, compared with DLP molding technology, the simplest understanding is that the light source of DLP technology will be replaced by LCD, and the rest is almost the same. The imaging principle of the LCD panel is to filter infrared and ultraviolet light with red and green tricolor filter (ultraviolet light damages the LCD film), and then three primary colors are projected from three LCD panels to form a composite image.

However, this molding technology requires the use of high-power ultraviolet rays and requires solidification with a very small amount of ultraviolet rays passing through. LCD LCD panels are afraid of ultraviolet rays and will age rapidly after irradiation. In addition to high-temperature resistance and heat dissipation tests, this key component also needs to withstand high-intensity baking of tens of watts of 405LED lamp beads for several hours, so its life is very short. If used frequently, the LCD screen, the core component, may be damaged within a month or two.

However, the future of this technology is still very promising in the industry.