The difference between light curing and ordinary 3D printing

Mondo Technology Updated on 2024-02-01

Ordinary 3D printing technology is a manufacturing method based on layer-by-layer superposition, which deposits and solidifies the material layer by layer, and finally constructs the desired three-dimensional structure. Light-curing 3D printing, on the other hand, uses a specific light source to irradiate a liquid photosensitive substance and cause it to undergo a chemical reaction to cure.

In traditional 3D printing, common materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, etc. On the other hand, light-curing 3D printing mainly uses photosensitive resin as the material. Photosensitive resins have excellent flow and viscosity control properties that enable fine structural printing. Light-curing 3D printing is also capable of modifying materials with various additives to improve their physical properties.

Compared with ordinary 3D printing, lithography 3D printing usually has a faster printing speed. Light-curing printing is cured by irradiating photosensitive resin, which has a fast curing speed and can achieve a high printing speed. Traditional 3D printing, on the other hand, requires the material to be layered and cured, so it is slower.

From the perspective of printing accuracy, light-curing 3D printing is more delicate than traditional 3D printing. Light-curable 3D printing uses light and shadow to depict fine details and contours, which can achieve higher resolution and more detailed surface quality. However, traditional 3D printing is limited by the accuracy of the print head and the fluidity of the material, and its printing accuracy is relatively low.

5.Comparison of the applicable fields of light-curing and ordinary 3D printing

Light-curing 3D printing is widely used in the field. Its excellent printing accuracy and material diversity make it widely used in the medical field, jewelry design, model making, and other fields. Traditional 3D printing is more used in industrial manufacturing, such as automobile manufacturing, aerospace, etc.

In terms of cost, light-curing 3D printing is usually more expensive than traditional 3D printing. Light-curing 3D printing requires the use of expensive light source equipment and special photopolymer materials, plus the additional costs required for post-processing and curing, making the overall cost high. Traditional 3D printing, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive, and the cost of materials and equipment is relatively low.

Although light-curing 3D printing has more advantages in some aspects, traditional 3D printing technology still has a wide range of applications in various fields. As technology continues to evolve, so do the two technologies. Light-curable 3D printing and traditional 3D printing will continue to complement each other and bring more possibilities to various fields.

Whether it is lithography 3D printing or traditional 3D printing, it has its unique advantages and application fields. When choosing which technology to use for 3D printing, you need to decide based on your specific needs and budget. In any case, the development of 3D printing technology will bring more innovation and convenience to the manufacturing industry.

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