The Effects of Process Parameters on Tensile Characteristics and Printing Time for Masked Stereolithography Components, Analyzed Using the Response Surface Method

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the printing method on the mechanical characteristics and printing time of test specimens created by masked stereolithography (MSLA) using a commercially available gray resin. In addition, the research intended to optimize the printing procedure to maximize ultimate tensile strength (UTS) while minimizing printing time. A MSLA printer was used to manufacture standard gray resin specimens, which were then tested according to ASTM standards. Response surface methodology (RSM) is then used to investigate several process variables, and optimization techniques are used to identify their ideal printing procedure. The p-values for the layer thickness, exposure time, and build orientation linear coefficients for UTS are less than 0.05. Layer thickness is the most influential factor influencing UTS and printing time response when f and p values are considered together. Corresponding to the results taken from the optimization, best operating parameters of the MSLA printing were found to be 0.01 mm layer thickness, a normal exposure time of 5 seconds, and a build orientation of 0 & DEG;. The optimal output parameters were finally found to be 151.9574 minutes for printing time and 64.7344 MPa for UTS, respectively. The novelty of this study comes in the optimization of the MSLA printer's printing process using RSM. There has also been no investigation to analyze the printing time in conjunction with the mechanical qualities of the MSLA produced part.

Automated summary

The study aims to examine the effect of printing method on the mechanical characteristics and printing time of test specimens. It also aims to optimize the printing procedure to maximize ultimate tensile strength while minimizing printing time. The research used a MSLA printer to manufacture standard gray resin specimens and applied response surface methodology to investigate process variables and identify the ideal printing procedure.