What is laser stereolithography?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Laser stereolithography is based on a photochemical process in which a laser beam polymerizes light-curing plastics in a targeted manner. In this process, liquid photopolymer is converted into solid layers by the effect of UV light. A three-dimensional object is gradually created by curing in layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process differs from other additive manufacturing techniques such as laser sintering, in which powder is melted by a laser beam. While sintering requires high laser power, stereolithography requires comparatively less energy, as polymerization is a chemical and not a thermal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Macro laser stereolithography (SLS)<\/strong> is mainly used for larger objects in rapid prototyping. In the past, HeCd lasers with a wavelength of 325 nm were often used for this technology. However, the further development of laser technology has made solid-state lasers with 355 nm increasingly popular. These new lasers are more durable, more compact and more cost-efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By upgrading to more modern UV lasers, SLS machines can now produce objects with impressive precision. With layer thicknesses of up to 0.01 mm, filigree structures can be realized on a size of up to 40 x 35 cm. Thanks to this technology, rapid prototyping has revolutionized the industry and is increasingly being used in series production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Micro Laser Stereolithography (\u00b5SLS)<\/strong> uses two-photon absorption, also known as two-photon polymerization. Short-pulse lasers with wavelengths of 1064 nm or 532 nm are used here. Thanks to the non-linear process, this technique enables the creation of structures with a resolution in the sub-micrometer range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One outstanding example is the production of a chess piece in the \u00b5m range, which was realized at the Fraunhofer Institute ILT with our laser. This technology overcomes the diffraction limitation of the laser and enables a level of detail that remains unattainable with other manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser stereolithography is ideal for the rapid production of prototypes. It also allows engineers and designers to quickly test and flexibly adapt concepts without having to rely on time-consuming traditional manufacturing methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Micro stereolithography offers exciting possibilities, particularly in biomedicine. The smallest pumps, motors and support structures can be produced in the micrometer range. In addition, these structures serve as growth aids for cells and enable detailed research into cell interactions with artificially created protein structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In microfluidics, a key technology for the development of lab-on-a-chip systems, \u00b5SLS is used to create precise channels and chambers. These structures are also essential for the precise analysis of tiny amounts of liquid in medical and chemical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the field of optoelectronics, laser stereolithography enables the production of miniaturized components such as optical lenses or holders for LEDs, and this technology also offers the possibility of creating high-precision structures that would not be possible using traditional methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their advantages, there are also challenges. Choosing the right photopolymer and optimizing the laser parameters are crucial for success. In addition, some applications require post-processing to improve the mechanical properties of the finished object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the future, the further development of materials and laser technologies will make laser stereolithography even more efficient. Improved resins and even more precise laser systems could expand the fields of application and create new opportunities in industry and medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Laser Stereolithography<\/strong> is a breakthrough technology that combines precision, versatility and efficiency in additive manufacturing. With applications ranging from prototyping to biomedicine and microfabrication, it has the potential to complement or replace traditional manufacturing methods in many areas. The continuous development of this technology will further increase its importance in the future.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Laser-Stereolithografie: Pr\u00e4zision in der additiven Fertigung Die Laser-Stereolithografie (kurz SLS) ist eines der innovativsten Verfahren in der additiven Fertigung. Mit ihrer F\u00e4higkeit, komplexe 3D-Strukturen mit au\u00dfergew\u00f6hnlicher Pr\u00e4zision zu erstellen, hat sie sich in Bereichen wie Prototyping, Biomedizin und Mikrofertigung etabliert. Dieses Verfahren nutzt die Kraft des Lichts, um Materialien schichtweise zu polymerisieren, und bietet dadurch […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8739","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Laser](\"https:\/\/soliton-gmbh.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stereolithografie-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMacro laser stereolithography: high precision for large objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMicro laser stereolithography: structures in the sub-micrometer range<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nApplications of laser stereolithography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Rapid prototyping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Biomedicine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Microfluidics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Optoelectronics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of laser stereolithography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Challenges and future of laser stereolithography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n