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STL & Sla

The document explains the Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file format, which encodes the surface geometry of 3D objects using triangles, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages in 3D printing. It also details the Stereo-Lithography (SLA) rapid prototyping system, including its process, parameters, and application range. Additionally, it highlights the importance of balancing file size and print quality when using STL files.

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15 views20 pages

STL & Sla

The document explains the Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file format, which encodes the surface geometry of 3D objects using triangles, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages in 3D printing. It also details the Stereo-Lithography (SLA) rapid prototyping system, including its process, parameters, and application range. Additionally, it highlights the importance of balancing file size and print quality when using STL files.

Uploaded by

shubham0607dubey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Standard tessellation language (STL) file

•The main purpose of the STL file format is to encode the surface geometry of a 3D
object. It encodes this information using a simple concept called ”tessellation”.

•Tessellation is piecewise approximation of surfaces of 3D CAD model using series of


triangles. Size of triangles depends on the chordal error or maximum fact deviation.
For better approximation of surface and smaller chordal error, small size triangle are
used which increase the STL file size. Tessellation can involve simple geometric
shapes or very complicated (and imaginative) shapes.

• This tessellated CAD data generally carry defects like gaps, overlaps, degenerate
facets etc which may necessitate the repair software. These defects are shown in
figure below. The STL file connects the surface of the model in an array of triangles
and consists of the X, Y and Z coordinates of the three vertices of each surface
triangle, as well as an index that describes the orientation of the surface normal.
How does an STL file store information about facets?
•The STL file format provides two different ways of storing information about
the triangular facets that tile the object surface.
1)ASCII encoding 2)The binary encoding

•In both formats, the following information of each triangle is stored:


1)The coordinates of the vertices.
2)The components of the unit normal vector to the triangle. The normal vector
should point outwards with respect to the 3D model.
Optimizing an STL file for best 3D printing performance
• The STL file format approximates the surface of a CAD model with triangles.
• The approximation is never perfect, and the facets introduce coarseness to the model.
• It is therefore very important to find the right balance between file size and print
quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages of STL File Format
Stereo-lithography Apparatus(SLA)
• Stereo-Lithography (SLA) is the best known rapid prototyping system. The
technique builds three-dimensional models from liquid photosensitive
polymers that solidify when exposed to laser beam.
• The model is built upon a platform in a vat of photo sensitive liquid. A
focused UV laser traces out the first layer, solidifying the model cross section
while leaving excess areas liquid.
• In the next step, an elevator lowers the platform into the liquid polymer by an
amount equal to layer thickness. A sweeper recoats the solidified layer with
liquid, and the laser traces the second layer on the first.
• This process is repeated until the prototype is complete. Afterwards, the solid
part is removed from the vat and rinsed clean of excess liquid. Supports are
broken off and the model is then placed in an ultraviolet oven for complete
curing.
Build Direction
Stereo-lithography Apparatus(SLA)
• Stereo-Lithography (SLA) is the best known rapid prototyping system. The
technique builds three-dimensional models from liquid photosensitive
polymers that solidify when exposed to laser beam.
• The model is built upon a platform in a vat of photo sensitive liquid. A
focused UV laser traces out the first layer, solidifying the model cross section
while leaving excess areas liquid.
• In the next step, an elevator lowers the platform into the liquid polymer by an
amount equal to layer thickness. A sweeper recoats the solidified layer with
liquid, and the laser traces the second layer on the first.
• This process is repeated until the prototype is complete. Afterwards, the solid
part is removed from the vat and rinsed clean of excess liquid. Supports are
broken off and the model is then placed in an ultraviolet oven for complete
curing.
Parameters
• Laser Type: Helium Cadmium Laser (He-Cd)
• Laser Power: 24mW
• Laser Life: 2000 hours
• Re-coat material: Zaphir
• Minimum Slice Thickness: 0.1mm
• Beam Diameter: 0.2mm
• Scan Speed: 0.75m/sec
• Maximum Part Volume: 0.25x0.25x0.25 m
• Maximum Part Weight: 9 kgs
Examples
Application Range
• Processing large variety of photo-sensitive polymers including clear,
water resistant and flexible resins
• Functional parts for tests
• Tools for pre series production tests.
• Manufacturing of medical models
• Manufacturing of electro-forms for Electro Discharge Machining
(EDM)
• Form-fit functions for assembly tests.
Advantages
• Possibility of manufacturing parts which are impossible to produce
conventionally using a single process.
• Continuous unattended operation for 24 hours.
• High resolution.
• Any geometrical shape can be made with virtually no limitation
Disadvantages
• Necessity to have support structures
• Accuracy not in the range of mechanical part manufacturing.
• Restricted areas of application due to given material properties.
• Labour requirements for post processing, especially cleaning.

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