Non-Scanning Rapid Prototyping System using a Digital Micromirror Device

Abstract

A rapid prototyping system using a digital micromirror device (DMD) has been developed. A DMD is a micro mechanical light modulator with tilting mirror elements. In the developed system, the DMD and a mercury lamp are used as the pattern generator and the UV source, respectively. Since the developed rapid prototyping system does not require a mask or LASER, a simple, low-cost system can be realized. An exposure pattern modulated by the DMD is projected on the saface of the UV resin, and a hardened layer with the same shape as the exposure pattern projected on the resin surface is produced. The model can be constructed in any size by changing the optical magnification. By using illuminance compensation technique, both illumination non-uniformity and excess growth are improved. The model vibration system has been introduced in order to reduce leveling time of the resin. The rapid prototyping system using the DMD is highly cost-effective.