Manufacturing services · Chapter F · Method 37

Carbon DLS

Digital Light Synthesis projects UV images through an oxygen-permeable window into resin, growing parts continuously. Then a thermal bake develops engineering properties.

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Vat photopolymer printing in the TCI workshop: light projected through the tank window, the principle DLS builds on. TCI workshop

How it works

Carbon DLS, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how carbon dls works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

Project

UV images are projected up through the window.

STEP 02

Grow

The platform rises continuously as resin cures.

STEP 03

Wash

Excess resin is removed.

STEP 04

Bake

A thermal cure gives final mechanical properties.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Tolerance±0.08 mm + 0.010 mm/mmTypical, resin dependent

Repeatability±0.05–0.08 mmProduction

FinishRa 1.0–2.0 µmUnsupported faces

Min Feature~0.8 mmPositive features

Materials	Rigid polyurethanes, elastomeric PU (EPU), epoxy (EPX), cyanate ester and silicone (SIL) resins.
Finishes	Smooth as printed; support bumps on supported faces.
Design guidance	Avoid thick, broad or uneven sections that may warp. Holes under 0.5 mm may close. Use lattices for cushioning parts.
Best suited to	Lattice cushioning, elastomeric parts, housings and production runs.
Watch-outs	Proprietary resins and equipment. Representative photo shows vat photopolymer printing, the principle DLS builds on.

Other methods in 3D printing

Previous: PolyJet printing Next: Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

Next step

Not sure this is the right route?

Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.