Investigation and analysis of curing process on performance of SLA printed components for compressive strength

The use of three-dimensional printing in the engineering and medical fields is at a rapid pace. In Stereolithography (SLA) process, selective curing of resin polymer in layer-by-layer format, a post-curing process is required to enhance the mechanical properties of printed parts, but there has not been adequate research on the effects of post-curing. In current investigation, effect of post-curing on compressive strength of 3D printed objects with stereolithography technique is been analysed. The layer height, exposure time and hollow thickness, are the significant parameters that are considered for this investigation. Layer height and hollow thickness have great impact on compressive strength of SLA objects. Highest compressive strength obtained while considering layer height as parameter is 42.44 MPa. Considering exposure time and hollow thickness parameters the highest compressive strength obtained is 39.07 MPa and 42.46 MPa respectively.