Vat Polymerization Pros and Cons | Additive Manufacturing

What It Is:

Vat Polymerization is a 3D printing process in which ultraviolet light hardens a liquid. By doing this in layer-by-layer patterns, a part can be formed. 

Build Material

Using acrylic-epoxy liquid as the build material already suggests some benefits and drawbacks to the process. Any material used, whether it is a mix of epoxy and acrylate or just epoxy or just acrylate, should be capable of hardening under radiation. Not all liquids harden under UV radiation, so this should limit material choices.

Flexible Printing Setup

The radiation source just needs to provide UV radiation, and there are many different ways to get UV radiation. Lasers are popular, but there are UV lamps and other radiation sources. While many additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes need to trace the part pattern on each layer, Vat Polymerization can print by projecting the entire layer pattern on the liquid surface. Therefore, VP processes can get a great boost in speed and better printing time.

Good Accuracy, Decent Surface Finish

Because the materials harden from liquid, this means that most parts that are printed have a good accuracy. The surface of the part tends to be smoother in comparison to other processes. Compared to powders, which might have a rough surface finish, VP parts tend to benefit from starting in a liquid form.

Lacking in Strength and Durability, Still Affected By UV Light After Print

VP parts are still not as good in terms of impact strength and lasting durability, especially when compared to injection molded parts. This is especially true because the VP part you print will noticeably age over time. UV radiation in normal light might still affect the part.

VP: Best for Display and Quick Decoration, Not For Heavy Use

Therefore, VP parts might be used more for quick displays or views of a newly modeled part, not for functional usage.