Vibratory Finishing of Stereolithography Parts

Abstract

Rapid Prototype polymer resin models produced by Stereolithography have, by the nature of the process, a relatively poor surface roughness, particularly on concave and convex surfaces. In many cases this is unacceptable, and slow and tedious manual finishing techniques are often used to improve the surface. An investigation has been conducted into a range of automated finishing techniques with the aim of producing an acceptable surface roughness. This paper presents the results from two techniques, Vibratory Bowl Abrasion and Ultrasonic Abrasion using components made from Ciba-Geigy XB5081-1 and XB 5143 resins. Initial results from Scanning Electron Microscopy and surface topography analyses suggest that both techniques are capable of improving the model surfaces.