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Exploring SLA/SLS


“Accelerating the design cycle can keep the creative momentum going, and means that designs can be produced and ready for market in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods”


portable displays and props with the strength and durability of other methods. Unlike traditional reductive


manufacturing, which removes material to create the form, SLS grows components in layers using a CAD design, which is sliced virtually into 0.1mm layers. The SLS machine takes the sliced data and replicates the first layer onto a surface of plastic powder. The heat from the laser melts the particles of powder together, a new layer of powder is delivered and the process is repeated until the complete object has been built.


Likewise, SLA also builds the component


in layers, using a liquid resin that undergoes a photochemical reaction when in contact with the laser, which cures the resin into a solid material. In each process, the design is created from a standard 3D CAD file, without the need to create an expensive mould or tool, enabling the designer to prototype their creation cost­ effectively in very low production volumes. Designers can test form, fit and function before committing the design to production or use the process to achieve low volume products with a refined and sophisticated finish. The SLA and SLS processes also reduce


the time needed to take a design from concept to finished product from weeks to just a matter of days – or even hours. This frees up time in the design cycle, and allows designers to correct any errors and


40 www.a1retailmagazine.com


create another individual prototype if necessary. Accelerating the design cycle can keep the creative momentum going, and means that designs can be produced and ready for market in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods. The process can be used to simply identify flaws before going into full production, or can be used to make fit­ for­purpose products. Using SLA and SLS also allows


production of designs with fewer manufacturing constraints. For example, to add strength to a product a honeycombed wall structure can be used to give the same rigidity and strength you would expect from a product machined from solid. There’s no waste so it’s greener and the client only pays for the material that is actually consumed, meaning there are huge cost savings in both time and materials!


Contact


CRDM Ltd. T: +44 (0)8450 514900 www.crdm.co.uk


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