Thermal Three-dimensional Lithography In Thermoset Resins Using Co2 Laser

This work presents a new method to produce 3D structures, using a CO2 laser and thermosensitive resins. This method is called thermal stereolithography and is based on the spatially selective thermal curing of a resin, a filling material and a catalyst. The results obtained with a physical model for the resin system indicates that filling material must be added to control a pressure wave that is thermally induced. A resolution of 0.1 mm was achieved for epoxy and polyester resins. The successive layering of a laser scanned spot can produce 3D solid structures out of a high viscosity liquid.212535536