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Updated: May 6, 2026

Additive Manufacturing of Functionally Graded Ceramic Materials by Stereolithography
Published on: January 25, 2019
Investigation of Stereolithography Additively Manufactured Components for Deviations in Dimensional and Geometrical
Aknur Kalilayeva1, Danial Zhumashev2, Dongming Wei1
1Department of Mathematics, Nazarbayev University, Qabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Build orientation significantly impacts Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing accuracy for investment casting patterns. A 45° orientation generally yields the best dimensional accuracy, though specific features may vary.
Area of Science:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Rapid Investment Casting (RIC) relies on 3D-printed patterns for ceramic mold creation.
- Stereolithography (SLA) is a key 3D printing technology for intricate, smooth-surfaced patterns.
- Dimensional accuracy of SLA-printed patterns is crucial for successful RIC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of build orientation (0°, 45°, 90°) on SLA part dimensional accuracy.
- To analyze dimensional deviations in castable wax resin parts printed with SLA.
- To establish correlations between build orientation, feature type, and dimensional accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Specimens were printed using Stereolithography (SLA) with castable wax resin.
- Three build orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°) were tested.
- 3D scanning technology was employed to measure dimensional deviations from nominal dimensions.
Main Results:
- Build orientation significantly influences overall dimensional accuracy.
- A 45° build orientation generally resulted in the smallest dimensional deviations across various features.
- Specific features exhibited varying accuracy improvements with orientation changes; e.g., cylindrical and spherical features showed reduced deviations at 90° compared to 0°.
Conclusions:
- Different features and build orientations have distinct impacts on SLA part accuracy.
- Design compensation strategies must be adapted based on build orientation for optimal accuracy.
- Optimizing build orientation in SLA printing is essential for meeting dimensional tolerances in rapid investment casting.
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