Microfabrication | Precision Mechatronics | Process Development
THE CHALLENGE
Develop a custom projection-stereolithography platform capable of producing microscale polymer structures with controlled geometry and repeatable processing.
Develop a custom projection-stereolithography platform capable of producing microscale polymer structures with controlled geometry and repeatable processing.
MY CONTRIBUTION
I designed and integrated the mechanical system around a DLP projection module, including resin handling, a recoating/wiper mechanism, and automated material dispensing. I developed LabVIEW-based control to coordinate exposure and mechanical sequences, then iterated the hardware and process parameters using printed test structures.
I designed and integrated the mechanical system around a DLP projection module, including resin handling, a recoating/wiper mechanism, and automated material dispensing. I developed LabVIEW-based control to coordinate exposure and mechanical sequences, then iterated the hardware and process parameters using printed test structures.
OUTCOME
The system produced approximately 2 × 3 mm polymer test structures incorporating vias as small as 5 µm, demonstrating microscale additive-manufacturing capability and establishing a platform for continued process development.
The system produced approximately 2 × 3 mm polymer test structures incorporating vias as small as 5 µm, demonstrating microscale additive-manufacturing capability and establishing a platform for continued process development.
SELECTED EVIDENCE
Photographs of the custom printer, DLP projection hardware, resin-handling and recoating mechanisms, control hardware, and representative printed structures.
Photographs of the custom printer, DLP projection hardware, resin-handling and recoating mechanisms, control hardware, and representative printed structures.
SKILLS
Precision mechanisms · Microfabrication · DLP stereolithography · LabVIEW · Motion control · Resin handling · Process development · Experimental design · Prototyping · System integration
Precision mechanisms · Microfabrication · DLP stereolithography · LabVIEW · Motion control · Resin handling · Process development · Experimental design · Prototyping · System integration
