Mechanical properties optimization in stereolithographic process

Stereolithography (SL) is a well established technique widely used in the field of Rapid Prototyping but the application as functional prototype is still limited because of the necessity of increasing both the strength and the accuracy. The aim of the paper is to propose a statistical analysis to quantitatively evaluate how largely each SL process parameter contributes to the mechanical properties of built parts. A specific specimen was designed and built according to ASTM D 638 – 99. A Viper Si2 Machine by 3D Systems was used for this purpose. Tensile tests were conducted with specimens built under different process parameters. Mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break. A Taguchi optimal design was used in order to find out the parameters combination leading to the best mechanical properties.