Advantages of UV LCD 3D printing technology in low-volume production

3D UV LCD printing technology allows for quick and relatively cheap creation of parts in low production series. Using ultraviolet light to cure liquid resins, it offers high production profitability, but is largely limited to relatively small parts. Technology Applied – the largest Polish company providing 3D printing services, uses this production method as a complement to SLS or MJF methods when high detail and surface smoothness are important.

In 3D UV LCD printing, UV light is used to harden specially designed resins layer by layer. Printing begins by applying a thin layer of resin to the 3D printer platform, which is then hardened by exposure to UV light from the LCD matrix. This process is repeated until the desired height of the object is achieved. Various types of resins are available, including standard, flexible, impact-resistant and even those designed for jewelry casting. The choice of the appropriate resin depends on the required strength, flexibility and other physical properties of the final product.

One of the key advantages of UV LCD technology is the possibility of low-volume production. This allows you to print single elements or several elements at the same time with high precision and detail. This flexibility makes the technology ideal for prototyping, made-to-order manufacturing, and the production of custom components.

In UV LCD technology, 3D printing time largely depends on the arrangement of the model and its height in the Z axis. The higher the model, the more layers to print, which extends the operating time of the 3D printer. Furthermore, it is necessary to manually remove the support structures after printing. Printing directly on the print bed (as in FDM/FFF technology) is possible, but large surfaces may be difficult to detach from the surface of the printing platform. Additionally, the first layers are always exposed to longer exposure time for better adhesion, which may lead to deformation due to longer exposure and dimensional deviations.

Large industrial 3D printing houses, such as Technology Applied, use UV LCD technology to produce a wide range of products. It is used in industries such as automotive, aviation, medicine and jewelry. The possibility of rapid prototyping, product personalization and small-scale production of spare parts are just some of the benefits this technology offers. UV LCD technology in 3D printing offers significant advantages in low-volume production, such as flexibility, high precision and speed. Despite some challenges, such as the need to remove support structures, this technology opens up new opportunities for small-scale industrial production.

Photo: www.ta.parts