Stereolithography materials, production and plasma-postprocessing for durable automotive applications (SYMPA)
Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing method, which enables high-precision processing of thermoset resins, mostly acrylate- or epoxy-based photopolymers. Material consumption is comparable low because the unused resins can be re-used and even transparent components can be manufactured. However, mechanical properties and long-term stability of such components are rather low, hindering their use for durable automotive applications.
The project consortium developed new materials, production equipment and post-processes for improved UV-stability, wear- and scratch-resistance, increased stiffness and strength by fibre-integration, reduced process time by modified stereolithography systems. The applicability could be successfully shown by several demonstrators like topology optimized UAV engine mount with in situ short-fiber reinforcement, scratch and wear resistant coating on car key covers, door handle with subsequent carbon fiber reinforcement, conductive selective coatings and transparent light guides with UV protective coatings.
