The development of LCD panel display based rapid prototyping system for advanced manufacturing

Rapid prototyping has been widely known as being able to fabricate 3D object with complex geometric shapes. Rapid prototyping can shorten the product development cycle and improve the design process by providing rapid and effective feedback to the designer, thus help a company keep ahead in a rapidly changing market. This paper presents software and hardware technologies of building LCD display based rapid prototyping system. Software design includes slicing algorithm, LCD photomask display process, user interface and motion control program. Hardware configuration of this architecture includes LCD photomask, optical system, z-axis elevator, resin supply system and PC based control system. After slicing process, the cross section contour of each layer is transferred to the LCD projector that is used for photomask. The optical system emits parallel light upwardly through the mask to expose and solidify the entire layer at once. After one layer is completed, the platform with the part rises and a new layer of photopolymer is applied to the bottom plate. After the sweep roller wipes the resin, the LCD photomask displays the cross sectional contour of the next layer. At this moment, the platform moves downwards to the correct height, and the next layer is cured subsequently. This process is done repeatedly until the whole part is finished. This LCD display based rapid prototyping system can operate smoothly and quietly