Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) is a transformative 3D printing technology that has redefined the possibilities of creating intricate and functional objects. Learn about how DLS works and explore the key aspects that make this technology a game-changer.
As an engineer, you’re always looking for new and better solutions for your design projects. You’ve likely experimented with traditional additive manufacturing or 3D printing to produce models and prototypes. Besides being slow, the surface finish and mechanical properties are often suspect. But have you tried the newest innovation in 3D printing?
Enabled by Carbon’s proprietary CLIP Technology, Digital Light Synthesis uses digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce products with much-improved durability, resolution, and surface finish.
Here’s how DLS 3D printing works:
Digital Light Synthesis greatly improves upon the surface and mechanical property issues of traditional 3D-printed objects. Because this process doesn’t print layers, the surface of the object is much smoother. The higher quality finish combined with the second chemical reaction from the heat of the forced-circulation oven makes for high-resolution parts with engineering-grade mechanical properties.
With the Digital Light Synthesis process, you can create prototypes, test them, and run your production all in the same process and with the same material. This saves you time and cost while getting your products to your customers faster.
3D printing with the Digital Light Synthesis process is available with the materials below:
TTH, leveraging Carbon's additive technology, played a pivotal role in NASA's innovative venture into robotics with the Seeker robotic free flier inspector.
Utilizing the Carbon Platform and Cyanate Ester (CE 221) material, TTH and NASA embarked on an agile development path, enabling over 10 design iterations of high-performance thrusters for Seeker's cold-gas propulsion system. This iterative approach, supported by the unique properties of CE 221, facilitated rapid, cost-effective production without compromising on performance or safety standards, thus overcoming traditional manufacturing limitations. The collaboration successfully met the challenging one-year timeline from project initiation to launch, marking a significant achievement in space hardware development.
This venture showcased the efficacy of additive manufacturing in producing complex, reliable components for space applications and the potential for significant advancements in autonomous robotic inspection technologies.
TTH was one of a select few beta sites selected for the Carbon M1 printer in 2015. Currently, TTH is running six Carbon DLS machines, including the M2 model, which offers a larger build platform and double the build volume than the M1 model, and the innovative M3 Max printer.
TTH is North America's exclusive Carbon Production Partner equipped with an M3 Max printer. Showcasing a true 4K light engine, the M3 Max expands build volume significantly while maintaining precise pixel size. This capability, combined with advanced automation tools like Carbon's Smart Part Washer and Meter/Mix/Dispense equipment, enables us to deliver unparalleled part quality and consistency, reducing production costs and enhancing the reliability of manufactured components.
Customers can create prototypes, models, parts, etc. for medical, automotive, and other industries. We can create what you need to your specifications. Experience the speed and new design capabilities TTH can offer with Carbon DLS 3D printing technology.
For details about working with the TTH team on a DLS project, please request a quote to get started.