Brief Introduction of Carbon DLS (digital light synthesis)

  • What is Carbon DLS?

    Carbon DLS (digital light synthesis) is an industrial 3D printing process that creates functional, end-use parts with mechanically isotropic properties and smooth surface finishes. You can choose from both rigid and flexible polyurethane materials to meet your application needs for high impact-resistance components.

    Common application for Carbon DLS  are:

    • complex designs that are challenging to mold
    • need for isotropic mechanical properties and smooth surface finish
    • production parts in materials comparable to ABS or polycarbonate
    • durable components for end use

     

    Carbon DLS Material Options

    RPU 70 Rigid Polyurethane is manufactured through Carbon’s DLS (digital light synthesis) process. It is a tough all-purpose engineering grade material that comes in black and can be categorized as an ABS-like materials. Ideal part sizes for Carbon materials are 5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in. or less.

    Primary Benefits

    • Tough material
    • UL 94 HB flame resistance classification


    Carbon FPU 50 exhibits the highest elongation of any of the 3D printing thermoset resins at 200% making it the most flexible option. Available in black, it falls under the PP-like category of 3D printing resins.

    Primary Benefits

    • Highest elongation properties
    • Fatigue resistance

     

    How Does Carbon DLS Work?

    Carbon DLS uses CLIP (continuous liquid interface production) technology to produce parts through a photochemical process that balances light and oxygen. It works by projecting light through an oxygen-permeable window into a reservoir of UV-curable resin. As a sequence of UV images are projected, the part solidifies, and the build platform rises.

    At the core of the CLIP process is a thin, liquid interface of uncured resin between the window and the printing part. Light passes through that area, curing the resin above it to form a solid part. Resin flows beneath the curing part as the print progresses, maintaining the continuous liquid interface that powers CLIP. Following the build, the 3D-printed part is baked in a forced-circulation oven where heat sets off a secondary chemical reaction that causes the materials to adapt and strengthen.