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FASTENERS & SEALING
process can be expensive and time- consuming, so development engineers often use smaller scale 3D models during testing – but how can they be sure that the prototype will be up to scratch? Here, we discuss how design engineers can benefit from UV curing when 3D printing prototypes.
D Te timescales and competitive nature
of Formula 1 mean that engineers must quickly design, build and aerodynamically test their prototypes. Tey can achieve this by using a stereolithography (SLA) printer to build a 3D model and testing variations until they have the best possible version for the race. On average, the team will test 100 new parts a day in the wind tunnel, making quick, incremental changes to optimise their designs.
PICKING A PRINTER Amongst the many types of 3D printers, an SLA or fused deposition modelling (FDM) printer are options to produce a prototype. FDM printers offer a more affordable choice and can quickly produce detailed prototypes. However, once the filament is melted it can be difficult to control, which means the resulting prototype may not have a high-quality finish. SLA printers use the methodology of laser printing in a bath of UV light curable photopolymer resin. Tis process effectively “grows” a component in the bath so that as it is withdrawn, each successive layer is light cured. It is a process that can be many times faster than other 3D printing technologies, but does frequently need an additional UV post-cure to ensure the component attains full strength and that any excess polymer that does not drain away in the build or growth process is completed cured. Dymax UV flood lamp and spot curing systems are used for this post-cure, and also for subsequent model re-working and repair. Tere are some disadvantages to using an SLA printer – particularly that it is difficult to print anything on a larger scale. If designers want to build a larger prototype than the machine they have, an option is to print components and bond them together. However, having more than one part
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esign teams test the aerodynamics of a Formula 1 car by putting a prototype in a wind tunnel. Using a full-size model in the testing
Machines use UV curing technologyto quickly produce models
3D
can compromise the integrity of the prototype and can extend the time it takes for a prototype to be ready, unless parts can be assembled in a fast and robust process.
STICK IT TOGETHER Tere are some challenges to bonding 3D printed parts; part alignment can
SHINING A LIGHT ON UV FOR
Simon Gibbs explores the benefits of UV curing in 3D modelling
be tricky and any bondline gaps could cause air-flow problems. However, design engineers should not be put off by designs that are larger than their design plate. Tey can still achieve good results by carefully considering the best adhesive for the assembling parts into larger shapes. Just like SLA machines use UV curing technology to quickly produce strong, high quality models, UV and light curing adhesives can produce strong, high quality assemblies. Engineers can apply the adhesive, align the part and cure it with a UV light. Since the cure does not start until the adhesive is exposed to the curing light, positioning of the parts
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