Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Photopolymers
Photopolymers are used both in Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP)
and Material Jetting. Photopolymers for 3D printing may consist of acrylate-based resins,
epoxy-based resins or a combination of the two. Depending on the processing technology,
different material compositions are combined in endless combinations. Stratasys Objet
Polyjet printers offer over 100 different materials, multicolor and multimaterial printing.
Material jetting, SLA and DLP have the best accuracy and resolution of all 3D printing tech-
nologies, with Polyjet machines offering resolution down to 16 microns. There is also SLA
printing with photoresists on micro-scale with resolutions so extreme that it is measured in
nanometers (1 micron = 1000 nanometers). German “Nanoscribe” is one example of micro-
scale printing.
Photopolymers are not as tough and resistant as Thermoplastics, they are more brittle and
breaks down over time. Thermoplastics are therefore more suitable for direct part produc-
tion.
