Parts in 1 to 2 days
High-Quality
Digital Light
Processing Parts
- Part consolidation
- High Detail and Excellent Surface Finish
- Isotropic Mechanical Properties
Table of Contents
What is Digital Light Processing?
Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a UV-sensitive liquid resin cured by a digital light projector. After processing, our AM Technicians clean the part, remove the supports, and treat it with UV and thermal curing when necessary.
Digital Light Processing 3D printing is ideal for projects requiring high detail and finishing in various production-grade materials. From flexible silicone to rigid high-temp cyanate ester Digital Light Processing can make parts with different durometers and characteristics. It’s an excellent technology for small end-use components, light metal part substitutions, functional, high-detail prototypes, jigs, and fixtures.
How does Digital Light Processing Work?
An AM Technician uploads your CAD file into the machine, and the software breaks it down layer by layer. We also consider the direction of the build and the placement of the supports. The Digital Light Processing machine uses a photochemical process by projecting light through an oxygen-permeable into a UV-curable resin. The build platform rises after each layer is solidified by the light. These steps repeat until the build is complete.
Once finished, the platform is removed from the Digital Light Processing 3D printers and baked in a forced-circulation oven that creates another chemical reaction causing the materials to strengthen. After the machine completes the part, an AM Technician manually removes the component from the platform, removing the supports from the component. Then the part is ready to go to the finishing department.
Ideal applications for Digital Light Processing
Since Digital Light Processing 3D printers use production-grade materials, it’s a suitable technology for parts throughout the product development cycle, from prototypes to end-use components.
Form, Fit, and Concept Models
Lattices
Performance Testing
Complex Geometries
Part Consolidation
Replacement Foam
Snap-Fit Joints
Fluid and Cooling Applications
Seals and Gaskets
Brackets
Housings
Clips
Digital Light Processing at Midwest Prototyping
OEM:
Carbon
Max Build Area:
7.4 x 4.6 x 12.8 in
Lead Time:
1 – 2 Days
Material:
CE 221, EPU 40, EPX 82 and 86FR, FPU 50, MPU 100, RPU 70 and 130, SIL 30, UMA 90
Tolerances:
UMA 90: ± .005 in for the first inch and ± .002 in for each additional inch
2-part engineering materials depend on the geometries.
Layer Thickness:
- Standard Resolution: .004 in
- Fine Resolution: .002 in
- Ultra Fine Resolution: .001 in
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Digital Light Processing materials at Midwest Prototyping
Material
Description
Tolerance Guide
Key Characteristics
More Information
CE 221 is a high-performance material with superb strength and rigidity.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .004 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .003 in
- Amber Colored
- Biocompatible*
- Rigid
- High Strength
- Chemical Resistant
EPU 40 is a high-performance polyurethane elastomer with a high elasticity, resilience, and tear resistance.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .010 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .003 in
- Black
- Biocompatible*
- Elastomeric
- Impact Resistant
- Chemical Resistant
EPX 82 is a high-strength material with fantastic long-term durability and mechanical properties comparable to lightly glass-filled thermoplastics.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .013 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Black
- High Strength
- Rigid
- Heat Resistant
- UV Stability
EPX 86FR is a high-strength material with fantastic long-term durability and mechanical properties and is flame retardant with UL94 V-0 @2mm and FAR 25.853(a): 12 sec. vertical burn @1mm.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .013 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Black
- High Strength
- Rigid
- Heat Resistant
- UV Stability
- Flame Retardant
Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet A
Safety Data Sheet B
FPU 50 is an impact, scratch, and fatigue resistant semi-rigid material.
General Accuracy:
± .002 in + .011 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Black
- Elastomeric
- Good For Snap Fits
- Impact Resistant
- Low Friction
MPU 100 is a medical-grade material compliant with biocompatibility and stabilizability standards and is chemical resistant.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .001 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- White
- Biocompatible*
- Chemical Resistant
- High Strength
- High Resolution/High Detail
RPU 70 is a material used for parts requiring strength, toughness, and moderate heat resistance.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .011 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Black
- Impact Resistant
- Good For Snap Fits
- Rigid
- High Strength
- Biocompatible*
- Heat Resistant
RPU 130 is a strong, tough, and heat resistant material that combines performance and environmental sustainability.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .018 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Black
- Impact Resistant
- High Strength
- Heat Resistant
- Rigid
SIL 30 is a biocompatible, and tear-resistant silicone urethane elastomer that is ideal for skin-contact applications.
General Accuracy:
± .005 in + .018 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .003 in
- Grey
- Biocompatible*
- Elastomeric
- Flexible
UMA 90 is a photosensitive polymer that is rigid, abrasion-resistant, and can withstand repetitive movements.
General Accuracy:
± .003 in + .001 in/in
Production Repeatability (95% of points):
± .002 in
- Multi-Color
- Rigid
- Biocompatible*
*Special processing may be required. Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.
Compare Materials
Designing parts for Digital Light Processing at Midwest Prototyping
Feature
Measurement
Supported Walls
.008 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
Unsupported Walls
.012 in (rigid)
.098 (flexible)
Supports & Overhangs
25 degrees (rigid)
45 degrees (flexible)
Embossing & Engraving
Width: .008 in (rigid) and .035 in (flexible)
Height/Depth: .004 in (rigid) and .02 in (flexible)
Horizontal Spans
.12 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
Holes & Openings
.12 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
Connecting & Moving Parts
.12 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
Escape Holes
.04 in
Minimum Features
.004 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
Pin Diameter
.004 in (rigid)
.04 in (flexible)
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Digital Light Processing finishing levels at Midwest Prototyping
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed and support surfaces lightly sanded
Standard finish: supported surfaces appearing dull. Parts will have visible lines.
2*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and entire part bead blasted
Even surface finish: more consistent matte finish. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2 +*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit and bead blasted
Functional finish: removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
3*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit
Show quality finish: removes most visible lines. Parts are prime and paint ready.
4*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and wet sanded to 600 grit
Special Finishing: Recommended only for plating.
* Elastomeric materials can only be finished to Level 1. For a higher quality finish, these materials may be coated in a soft touch.
