COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF SOME THERMOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS PARAMETERS ON RAPID PROTOTYPING

Reproducing physically three-dimensional virtual objects with free geometry by computer assistance translates what Rapid Prototyping (RP) is. Infrared Thermolithography (IRTL), a new RP method based on CO2 laser irradiation onto thermosensitive resins, is presented. Their most important advantages are sample's noncontraction effect after curing and absence of post cure treatment. Localized cure consists on confining energy from laser beam to cure only the desired zone at resin and it is obtained in a best way from the combination of the physical parameters of IRTL process, as laser beam scanning speed and diameter. Simulations were performed with Ansys Software by Finite Element analysis based on the presented Numerical Model.