Stereolithography Prototype, SLA Prototyping

Had some 1st hand experience of SLA prototypes back around 10 years ago when the cheapest chappies offering the service were in South Africa.

I was working supporting some fancy bit of 3D software at the time and the client was a ceramics company. Any way, cut a long story short, with the 3d modelling software was a bolt on package for SLR which checked the model was perfect and helped manage all the required support structure needed while the molding process took place. I was able to manage the modeling and the manufacturer just checked my work and produced the model.

Brilliant system and, depending on the cost and benefits to your specific project it can save you quite a bit in the long run, but we were essentially dealing with something that would assist mass production in the end.

Dont know what the cost are like today but depending on who inputs all the data, its 100% acurate as you know! Now I work in the Marine Industry but not in an area where we require that particular specialism.

I had to opportunity to work with a 3-D printer recently and produced a model of one of my designs. It's a small scale rapid prototyper that uses layers of gypsum powder solidified with a binder from an inkjet printer head. I'll post an image or two when I have a little more time.

I'll be interested to see those images.

I believe this SLA technology has progressed along so fast that obsolete units are available at really reasonable prices...particularly for prototyping small models???

Sorry its taken me so long to reply, I had a cross-country move, so everything has been a little hectic. Anyway, here are a couple images of the model from the rapid prototype printer. The model is about 12 inches long to give you some idea of scale.

What is the largest size (length) model one moight make with your system?

That looks to be pretty good detail at that size, so my thought is it might even be better in something 2 to 3 times larger?

I was pretty happy with the detail, particularly the spiral stairs up to the flybridge. The dimensions of the print bin on the Z Corp printer I used were about 8 X 10 X 8 in. I placed the model diagonally across the bottom of the print space so I could enlarge it beyond 10 inches. However, although I did not get a chance to try this, a model could be cut into 2-3 pieces, printed in sections, and then joined later. This would allow for a workable diameter on smaller features such as railings and deck fittings. The printer company also has a models with a larger build size, and full color capabilities. I've seen it produce some pretty intricate models though, from product design to architectural models.