3D Printing with Carbon DLS: A Design Guide
Introduction to 3D Printing with Carbon DLS
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is revolutionizing the way products are designed and produced. By using digital designs to create physical objects, 3D printing is allowing companies to create faster and more efficient products than ever before. One of the most advanced 3D printing technologies available today is Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), which utilizes digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to create parts with complex geometries, excellent surface finish, and mechanical properties that are comparable to injection molded parts.
What is Carbon DLS?
Carbon DLS is a form of 3D printing technology developed by Carbon, a Silicon Valley based company. The Carbon DLS process starts with an object file in STL format, which is then sliced into layers. The slice information is used to generate a digital light pattern, which is projected onto a vat of liquid resin. The light cures the resin, solidifying it into the desired shape. The part is then removed from the liquid bath, cleaned, and cured further with UV light. The entire process is automated and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Benefits of Carbon DLS
Carbon DLS has several advantages over traditional 3D printing methods. It is capable of creating parts with complex geometries, excellent surface finish, and superior mechanical properties due to its ability to precisely control the light exposure and layer thickness. Additionally, the resin used in Carbon DLS is formulated for specific applications, allowing for the production of parts with tailored properties. Finally, the entire process is automated, allowing for high-volume production with minimal setup time.
Design Considerations for Carbon DLS
When designing parts for Carbon DLS, there are several considerations that need to be taken into account. These include design best practices, material selection, part design guidelines, and printing parameters.
Design Best Practices
When designing parts for Carbon DLS, there are several best practices that should be followed. These include minimizing overhangs and bridging, avoiding deep internal cavities, ensuring parts fit within the build area, and keeping wall thicknesses consistent. Additionally, when designing features such as threads or channels, it is important to keep their size within the capability of the printer.
Material Selection for Carbon DLS
Carbon offers a variety of materials that can be used in the Carbon DLS process. These materials are specially formulated for different applications, such as automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. It is important to select the appropriate material for the application, as each material has different properties, such as strength, stiffness, and heat resistance.
Part Design Guidelines
When designing parts for Carbon DLS, there are several guidelines that should be followed. These include ensuring that parts have a minimum wall thickness of 0.5mm, avoiding sharp edges and corners, and providing adequate support structures for overhangs and bridges. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the part is orientated correctly during printing to ensure the best possible results.
Printing Parameters
In order to get the best possible results when printing with Carbon DLS, it is important to select the right printing parameters. This includes setting the correct layer height, exposure time, and post-curing parameters. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the printer is well-maintained and calibrated in order to get the best possible results.
Conclusion
3D printing with Carbon DLS is a powerful tool for quickly producing parts with complex geometries, excellent surface finish, and superior mechanical properties. When designing parts for Carbon DLS, it is important to consider design best practices, material selection, part design guidelines, and printing parameters in order to get the best possible results. By following these guidelines, companies can produce parts faster and more efficiently than ever before.