By Industrial Print Magazine Staff
The use of resins that react to UV light in three-dimensional (3D), additive manufacturing (AM) processes require the right combination of materials, printing equipment, software, and UV light. Among the UV light manufacturers targeting this space are Excelitas Technologies Corp. and Uvitron International, which we discuss below.
Excelitas Technologies
Excelitas Technologies offers The OmniCure AC2 Series, compact, air-cooled UV LED curing systems for AM processes. With advanced front-end optics, the AC275 and AC2110 systems deliver over 2.5 W/cm2 peak irradiance with exceptional uniformity.
Ideal for printing applications, the OmniCure AC275 and AC2110 provide a reduced output angle from typical LED systems to help eliminate back reflection of the light to the print heads. These systems are designed with a flat outer surface that allows for easy cleaning and replacement for ongoing maintenance.
Excelitas also offers the Phoseon FireEdge FE400 compact air-cooled UV LED curing system, which offers a high performance, consistent, and reliable solution for AM. Air-cooled heat dissipation and exhaust prevent water pipes from occupying the internal space. High-intensity, UV irradiation improve the surface drying performance of each layer of the resin, thereby ensuring the printing accuracy of the model.
With patented TargetCure technology, the continuous stable and reliable output of the light source ensures the quality consistency of the printed objects.
With instant on/off, the system can be used immediately without preheating and seamlessly matches the response time of the inkjet nozzle. It is especially suitable for scanning high-speed printing.
Uvitron
Uvitron has honed its expertise in developing UV-curing systems, specifically tailored for the post-curing process in AM.
Its UV-curing systems are engineered with a deep understanding of the post-curing phase. They are designed to deliver optimal performance in curing photopolymer resins. These systems provide precise and controlled exposure to UV light, ensuring uniform and complete curing. This precision is vital for achieving superior mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy in the final 3D printed parts.
The efficiency of Uvitron’s systems plays a key role in enhancing the overall quality of 3D printed products. By ensuring thorough and consistent post-curing, it helps avoid issues like residual tackiness or brittleness, which can occur if the curing is uneven or incomplete.
Uvitron’s focus goes beyond developing UV-curing systems, it aims to be at the forefront of UV-curing technology. This involves integrating innovative features into its systems to meet the dynamic and rigorous demands of modern AM. It is currently channeling its expertise and technological resources into engineering new UV curing systems specifically for the dental industry. This initiative is focused on enhancing the post-curing phase of AM, which is particularly crucial in dental applications.
For example, the dental industry presents unique challenges and requirements for AM, especially in terms of precision, material properties, and biocompatibility. The post-curing process plays a pivotal role in ensuring that these requirements are met. Uvitron’s new systems are designed to cater to the specific needs of dental products, such as dental crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices, which often require a high degree of accuracy and specific mechanical properties.
In the dental sector, the post-curing process is not just about achieving the necessary hardness or strength, it’s also about ensuring that the final product is biocompatible and safe for use in patients. Uvitron’s upcoming UV-curing systems aim to optimize this post-curing phase by providing a more controlled and uniform curing process. This level of control is crucial for dental applications, where even minor discrepancies can affect the fit, comfort, and functionality of the final product.
Post Processes
Post-curing is an essential component to AM processes that utilize UV resins. Continued advancements offer precision and environmental advantages.
Apr2024, Industrial Print Magazine
