Composite materials made of metal alloys for stereolithography

Presentation

Stereolithography is a rapid prototyping process, allowing the production of a 3D object, by superposition of liquid resin layers. These new compositions developed by the Institut Jean Lamour are made of photosensitive resin and complex metal alloys with remarkable mechanical properties:  prototype pieces resistance is increased and production cost reduced, compared to pre-existing composite resins. 

The prototyping process comprises a step of photo-polymerization layer by layer of the 3D prototype in a liquid medium, which contains the resin mixture and complex metal alloys, while exposing the liquid medium to UV  laser radiation.

Competitive advantages

• Manufacture costs reduced by 30%;
• Increased mechanical resistance (Wear resistance: + 50%, resistance to friction: + 30%).
  

Applications/Markets

• Rapid 3D prototyping for industry.
  

Intellectual property

• Patent FR 1254313;
• Collaboration sought: License for industrialization of  the material.

Laboratory

Institut Jean Lamour (IJL).