Virtual and physical prototyping: simulation and development of models 3D

• Grant number: 06/04798-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2007
• End date: January 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rubens Maciel Filho
• Grantee: Rubens Maciel Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This work presents a new method of prototypes fabrication, the Termolithography. Based on CO2 laser irradiation at the infrared spectral region onto thermosensitive resins, Thermolithography offers important advantages if compared with other processes, mainly those ones respected to the non-contraction effect of the sample after being cured and the absence of a post cure treatment. The localized cure is the phenomenon of confinement of energy transmitted by laser beam performing the curing only on a desired region at the sample. The control of the localized cure is the key for the success and for the guarantee of high quality prototypes. In order to fit and optimize it, it is necessary the domain of physical properties of the applied material and the domain of the CO2 laser operational parameters. The study of combination of the involved effects, for instance, the variation of amount of the components in the sample, the cure temperature, beside operational parameters as scanning velocity, the laser beam diameter and power, are the main target of this work. Simulations become easier the comprehension of how each variable can affect during the building of prototype and to determine the best range of values which implicate in better final result of the process. (AU)