Design and Validation of an Open Source 3D Printer Based on Digital Ultraviolet Light Processing (DLP), for the Improvement of Traditional Artistic Casting Techniques for Microsculptures
Fecha
2021Resumen
The adoption of open-source digital manufacturing technologies in small art workshops
may improve their competitiveness. Pieces modeled by computer and made with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers that use PLA (polylactic acid) can be implemented in the procedures of
artistic casting. However, models printed by PLA are limited to approximate minimum sizes of 3 cm,
and the optimal layer height resolution is 0.1 mm. These sizes and resolutions are not suitable for
creating microsculptures used, in many cases, in jewelry. An alternative to solve this limitation, is to
use a DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) 3D printer. However, due to its high cost, it is a technology
that is difficult to introduce in small artistic foundries. This work detailed the design and validation
of a DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printer, using backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens
with ultraviolet light. Its development is totally “open source” and is proposed as a kit made up of
electronic components, based on Arduino and easy to access mechanical components in the market.
Most parts can be manufactured in low cost FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. The
result is an affordable, high resolution (0.021 mm), and open-design printer that can be implemented
in artistic contexts.