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.

Project Details