UNIT II

PART - A

1.How do you classify the RP processes?

2.State the difference between Liquid and powder based RP process.

Specification Liquid based process Powder based process

Process Stereolithography, 3D Printing ,

Solid ground curing, Selective laser sintering
Fused deposition modelling
Layer creation technique Liquid layer curing Layer of powder and binder
Liquid layer curing and milling droplet
Extrusion of melted polymer deposition
 Layer of powder

Phase change type Photopolymerization No phase change

Solidification by cooling Laser driven sintering melting
and solidification

3.Write down any four Liquid based RP process.

 Stereolithography Apparatus(SLA)
 Solid Ground Curing(SGC)
 Solid Object Ultra violet laser Printer(SOUP)
 Solid Creation System (SCS)

4. List out any four Powder based RP process.

 Selective Laser Sintering(SLS)

 Three Dimensional Printing (3DP)
 Laser Engineered Net Shaping(LENS)
 Electron Beam Melting(EBM)

5.Explain the working principle of SLA.

Once the CAD design is fed to the SLA machine in the preferred machine language, everything
else is controlled by the computer to ensure precise and high speed printing. The printing
platform which can be lowered into the tank containing the plastic and the ultraviolet laser are
both controlled by the computer, and the printing process is normally done in diverse layers
depending upon the required thickness of the objects.

6. Why is pre-build process required in SLA?

Prebuild means building the part 3D geometry by pouring the material layer by layer. Here only
3D object is created. Prebuilding steps are as follows:
 Levelling
 Deep dip
 Elevate
 Sweep
 Move to build options
7.What are part-building steps in SLA?

The machine begins drawing the layers of the support structures, followed by the part itself, with
an ultraviolet laser aimed onto the surface of a liquid thermoset resin. After a layer is imaged on
the resin surface, the build platform shifts down and a recoating bar moves across the platform to
apply the next layer of resin. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.

8.What are the steps in post-build processes?

The tray containing the newly built parts is taken out of machine and into a lab where solvents
are used to remove any additional resins. When the parts are completely clean, the support
structures are manually removed. From there, parts undergo a UV-curing cycle to fully solidify
the outer surface of the part.

9.What is photo polymerization in SLA?

In the initial step of the SLA process, a thin layer of photopolymer (usually between 0.05-0.15
mm) is exposed above the perforated platform. The UV laser hits the perforated platform,
"painting" the pattern of the object being printed. The UV-curable liquid hardens instantly when
the UV laser touches it, forming the first layer of the 3D-printed object.

10.What are the advantages and disadvantages of SGC process?

 The primary advantage of the solid ground curing system is that it does not require a
support structure since wax is used to fill the voids.
 The model produced by SGC process is comparatively accurate in the Z-direction
because the layer is milled after each light-exposure process.
 Although it offers good accuracy coupled with high throughput, it produces too much
waste and its operating costs are comparatively high due to system complexity.

11.Give some applications of SLA process.

 Manufacturing firms also use stereolithography models for casting, tooling and
production line design.
 Stereolithography allows businesses to evaluate their design for feasibility,
manufacturability, ergonomics, aesthetics without slow and costly prototyping.
 Businesses also use these models as a marketing tool since it enables them to present a
physical representation of the product before production is complete.
  Stereolithography is also becoming prevalent in the field of bio-medical engineering.
Surgeons are able to make models of patients and implants to practice delicate routines in
advance.
 Stereolithography prototyping lowers the cost of production while increasing product
durability, benefiting both industry and consumers.

12.What are the benefits of SGC process?

 Ideal technology for short production runs .

 Volume of the production environment is as big as what we get from SLA.
 Dimensional accuracy is good .
 It has got ability to the layer by layer of 0.1 mm thickness .

13.Define “ Sintering”

Sintering is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat and/or
pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction. Sintering happens naturally in mineral
deposits or as a manufacturing process used with metals, ceramics, plastics, and other materials.

14.What do you understand by the term curing?

Process during which a chemical reaction (such as polymerization) or physical action (such as
evaporation) takes place, resulting in a harder, tougher, or more stable linkage (such as an
adhesive bond) or substance (such as concrete). Some curing processes require maintenance of a
certain temperature and/or humidity level, others require a certain pressure.

15.What are materials used in SGC process.

 Photopolymers
 Polymers(ABS,polyacrylate,etc.),wax,metals and ceramics with binder.

16.Explain the working principle of SLS process.

SLS involves the use of a high power laser ( a carbon dioxide laser) to fuse small particles of
plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass powders into a mass that has a desired three-dimensional shape.
The laser selectively fuses powdered material by scanning cross-sections generated from a 3-D
digital description of the part on the surface of a powder bed. After each cross-section is scanned,
the powder bed is lowered by one layer thickness, a new layer of material is applied on top, and
the process is repeated until the part is completed.
17. Write down the merits and demerits of SLS process.

Merits

 The main advantage is that the fabricated prototypes are porous (typically 60% of the
density of molded parts), thus impairing their strength and surface finish.
 Variety of materials.
 No post curing required.
 Fast build times.
 Limited use of support structures.
 Mechanical properties of Nylon & Polycarbonate parts.

Demerits

 Rough surface finish.

 Mechanical properties below those achieved in injection molding process for same
material.
 Many build variables, complex operation.
 Material changeover difficult compared to FDM & SLA.
 Some post-processing / finishing required.

18.State the applications of 3D Printing process.

Architecture, construction, industrial design, automotive, aerospace, military, engineering, dental

and medical industries, biotech (human tissue replacement), fashion, footwear, jewelry, eyewear,
education, geographic information systems, food etc.3D printing can also be used to make
laptops and other computers also.

19.What are the limitations of Ballistic Particle Manufacturing?

Limitations:
 Parts produced lack strength and durability.

Advantages:
 Requires minimal post-processing.
 Low toxicity.
 Minimal power consumption.
 Low cost of cost and materials.
 Ability to perform in microgravity and vacuum environments.
 BPM has no size constraints.
20.Write a short note on LENS process.

Laser engineered net shaping or LENS ( "Laser Powder Forming") is an additive

manufacturing technology developed for fabricating metal parts directly from a computer-
aided design (CAD) solid model by using a metal powder injected into a molten pool created
by a focused, high-powered laser beam.Objects created with this technology can be
substantially larger, even up to several feet long.

PART – B

1. Explain Stereo lithography process with a neat sketch.

Principle and Process

 This is based on selective polymerization of a photosensitive resin using ultraviolet light.

 In this system, an ultraviolet laser beam is focused on the top layer of photo sensitive
resin contained in a vat.
 The beam is positions and moved in horizontal X and Y directions to polymerize the
resin within the boundary a particular cross-section.
 The cured layer of polymer is lowered by a platform attached to it, so that a fresh layer of
liquid resin covers the cured layer.

Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process which employs a vat of liquid ultraviolet

curable photopolymer "resin" and an ultraviolet laser to build parts' layers one at a time. SLA
machine starts with an excess of liquid plastic, some of which is cured, or hardened, to form a
solid object.

SLAs have four main parts:

 a tank that can be filled with liquid plastic (photopolymer),

 a perforated platform that is lowered into the tank,
 an ultraviolet (UV) laser and
 a computer controlling the platform and the laser.
 STEREOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS

In the initial step of the SLA process, a thin layer of photopolymer (usually between 0.05-0.15
mm) is exposed above the perforated platform. The UV laser hits the perforated platform,
"painting" the pattern of the object being printed. The UV-curable liquid hardens instantly when
the UV laser touches it, forming the first layer of the 3D-printed object.

Once the initial layer of the object has hardened, the platform is lowered, exposing a new surface
layer of liquid polymer. The laser again traces a cross section of the object being printed, which
instantly bonds to the hardened section beneath it.

This process is repeated again and again until the entire object has been formed and is fully
submerged in the tank. The platform is then raised to expose a three-dimensional object. After it
is rinsed with a liquid solvent to free it of excess resin, the object is baked in an ultraviolet oven
to further cure the plastic.

Objects made using stereolithography generally have smooth surfaces, but the quality of an
object depends on the quality of the SLA machine used to print it. The amount of time it takes to
create an object with stereolithography also depends on the size of the machine used to print it.
Small objects are usually produced with smaller machines and typically take between six to
twelve hours to print. Larger objects, which can be several meters in three dimensions, take days.
Advantages:

 Achieving accuracy in industries.

 Market shares and industry presence.
 Capable of high detail and thin walls.
 Good surface finish.

Limitations:

 Requires post-curing.
 Some war page, shrinkage and curl due to phase change.
 Limited materials (Photo polymers).
 Support structures always needed. Removal of support structures can be difficult.

2.Explain the recoating issues in SLA?

Recoating in a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) involves dipping the part being built into a vat
containing liquid resin and sweeping a blade over the top of the part. There are two problems
with the recoating operation in existing SLA systems.
Firstly, the process is slow because the blade sweep speed is usually restricted to minimize
disturbances to the resin surface and also because,after each sweep, the machine has to wait idly
for any disturbances to subside and the resin surface to become level before scanning by the laser
can be performed. In a part made up of hundreds or thousands of layers, these measures
considerably lengthen the build time.
Second, problem is the difficulty of ensuring that the thickness of the generated layers is even
and accurate in parts that incorporate upward-facing concave areas. For such parts, recoated
layers may be either thinner or thicker than specified.
In the worst case, the part may become delaminated or the blade may strike the cured resin
during recoating, resulting in build failure.
 ACTIVE RECOATING BLADE

The following guidelines for increasing the speed of recoating can be drawn up:

 Use high blade sweep speeds, as this does not incur penalties in terms of unduly
extending the settling times for the ripples on the resin surface.
 Adopt different pause lengths for the cases of the blade sweeping inward and outward as
the settling times are different.
 Begin the scanning of a new layer on the aft side of the blade as the ripples subside faster
behind the blade.
 Adopt low platform accelerations.

3.Describe with a neat sketch of SGC process.

Solid ground curing (SGC) is a photo-polymer-based additive manufacturing (or 3D printing)

technology used for producing models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts, in which the
production of the layer geometry is carried out by means of a high-powered UV lamp through a
mask. As the basis of solid ground curing is the exposure of each layer of the model by means of
a lamp through a mask, the processing time for the generation of a layer is independent of the
complexity of the layer.
Solid ground curing utilizes the general process of hardening of photopolymers by a complete
lighting and hardening of the entire surface, using specially prepared masks. In SGC process,
each layer of the prototype is cured by exposing to an ultra violet (UV) lamp instead of by laser
scanning. So that, every portion in a layer are simultaneously cured and do not require any post-
curing processes. The process contains the following steps.

1. The cross section of each slice layer is calculated based on the geometric model of the
part and the desired layer thickness.
2. The optical mask is generated conforming to each cross section.
3. After leveling, the platform is covered with a thin layer of liquid photopolymer.
4. The mask corresponding to the current layer is positioned over the surface of the liquid
resin, and the resin is exposed to a high-power UV lamp.
5. The residual liquid is removed from the workpiece by an aerodynamic wiper.
6. A layer of melted wax is spread over the workpiece to fill voids. The wax is then
solidified by applying a cold plate to it.
7. The layer surface is trimmed to the desired thickness by a milling disk.
8. The current workpiece is covered with a thin layer of liquid polymer and step 4 to 7 are
repeated for each succeeding upper layer until the topmost layer has been processed.
9. The wax is melted away upon completion of the part.

SOLID GROUND CURING PROCESS

4. Brief about strength, Weakness and applications of SGC?

Strength of SGC process:

 The primary advantage of the solid ground curing system is that it does not require a
support structure since wax is used to fill the voids.
 The model produced by SGC process is comparatively accurate in the Z-direction
because the layer is milled after each light-exposure process.
 Stable build environment: The build surrounding decreases the possibility of curling and
warping. Moreover it reduces the need for supports and final curing.
 Throughput: Because parts can be nested and stacked a whole layer can be cured with
exposure of light.
 Build Geometry: Any 3D solid geometric design can be built in any configuration.
 Build Time: Parts can be built overnight with attended operation.
 Interruptable operation: In an urgent situation the build cycle can be intermittent for a
high priority build.
 Ideal technology for short production runs.
 Volume of the production environment is as big as what we get from Stereolithography.
 Dimensional accuracy is good.
 It has got ability to the layer by layer of 0.1 mm thickness.

Weakness of SGC process:

 It produces too much waste and its operating costs are comparatively high due to system
complexity.
 Attended operation: The SGC process is labour intensive. The process needs to be
continuously supervised.
 Dewaxing cycle: After curing the wax needs to be washed away with water / citric acid
solution.
 Solid waste disposal: A portion of each layer of build material and wax is milled off.
 Liquid waste disposal: Athough the working environment is good the wax and water
from the dewaxing cycle must be disposed off.
 When the liquid polymer solidifies these some wax also gets entrapped in the artifact.
 Space requirement is also less.
 Cost is also reasonably high when compared to FDM machine.
 Applications of SGC process:

 Tooling and casting applications: Investment casting, sand casting , and rapid tool free
manufacturing of plastic parts.
 Mold and Tooling: Silicon rubber tooling, epoxy tooling, spray metal tooling, acrylic
tooling, and plaster mold casting.
 Medical Imaging: Diagnostic, surgical, operation and reconstruction planning and custom
prosthesis design.
 General Applications: Engineering testing, integration and fitting, functional analysis,
exhibition and pre production sales, market research.

5.With a neat sketch explain Selective Laser Sintering process.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique that uses a laser as
the power source to sinter powdered material (typically metal), aiming the laser automatically at
points in space defined by a 3D model, binding the material together to create a solid structure.
During SLS, tiny particles of plastic, ceramic or glass are fused together by heat from a high-
power laser to form a solid, three-dimensional object.

It is the process of creating objects from powders using atomic diffusion — to create a three
dimensional object. Sintering has been used for thousands of years to create everyday objects
like bricks, porcelain and jewellery.

Like all methods of 3D printing, an object printed with an SLS machine starts as a computer-
aided design (CAD) file. CAD files are converted to .STL format, which can be understood by a
3D printing apparatus. Objects printed with SLS are made with powder materials, most
commonly plastics, such as nylon, which are dispersed in a thin layer on top of the build
platform inside an SLS machine.

A laser, which is controlled by a computer that tells it what object to "print," pulses down on the
platform, tracing a cross-section of the object onto the powder. The laser heats the powder either
to just below its boiling point (sintering) or above its boiling point (melting), which fuses the
particles in the powder together into a solid form.

Once the initial layer is formed, the platform of the SLS machine drops — usually by less than
0.1mm — exposing a new layer of powder for the laser to trace and fuse together. This process
continues again and again until the entire object has been printed. When the object is fully
formed, it is left to cool in the machine before being removed.
Unlike other methods of 3D printing, SLS requires very little additional tooling once an object is
printed, meaning that objects don't usually have to be sanded or otherwise altered once they
come out of the SLS machine.SLS doesn't require the use of additional supports to hold an object
together while it is being printed.

SLS machines can print objects in a variety of materials, such as plastics, glass, ceramics and
even metal (which is a related process known as direct metal laser sintering). This makes it a
popular process for creating both prototypes as well as final products.

SLS has proved to be particularly useful for industries that need only a small quantity of objects
printed in high quality materials. One example of this is the aerospace industry, in which SLS is
used to build prototypes for airplane parts.
SLS machines can print in a range of high-quality materials, from flexible plastic to food-grade
ceramic, SLS is also a popular method for 3D printing customized products, such as hearing aids,
dental retainers and prosthetics.
6.Explain in detail the LENS process with a neat diagram; Also write the
advantages and disadvantages.

Laser engineered net shaping is an additive manufacturing technology developed for fabricating
metal parts directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) solid model by using a metal powder
injected into a molten pool created by a focused, high-powered laser beam.

A high power laser is used to melt metal powder supplied coaxially to the focus of the laser beam
through a deposition head. The laser beam typically travels through the center of the head and is
focused to a small spot by one or more lenses. The X-Y table is moved in raster fashion to
fabricate each layer of the object. The head is moved up vertically as each layer is completed.
Metal powders are delivered and distributed around the circumference of the head either by
gravity, or by using a pressurized carrier gas. An inert shroud gas is often used to shield the melt
pool from atmospheric oxygen for better control of properties, and to promote layer to layer
adhesion by providing better surface wetting.

Materials used:
It can produce parts in a wide range of alloys, including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and
other specialty materials; as well as composite and functionally graded materials. Primary
applications for LENS technology include repair & overhaul, rapid prototyping, rapid
manufacturing, and limited-run manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and medical markets.

Applications:

Some typical applications are the fabrication and repair of injection molding tools and the
fabrication of large titanium and other exotic metal parts for aerospace applications.

Capabilities of LENS process:

• Ability to build fully dense shapes

• Closed loop control of process for accurate part fabrication
• Ability to tailor deposition parameters to feature size for speed, accuracy, and property control
• Composite and functionally graded material deposition
• Three- and four-axis systems for complex part fabrication

Advantages:

 These technologies can make large parts and tools, fairly quickly in a good selection of
metals.
  They produce near net shape parts with good metallurgical properties.
 They can also be used to repair and recondition expensive items such as jet engine
components originally made by conventional production techniques.

DisAdvantages:

 The machinery is big and expensive, and it uses a lot of power. As a result, these
technologies are mainly available as a service from technology providers.
 Complete geometric freedom is possible, but somewhat less so than with other additive
technologies.
 Overhangs and undercuts may require support structures that will need substantial
secondary machining to remove them.
 Anything fabricated by the technology will require at least some final machining and
finishing.

LASER ENGINEERED NET SHAPING

7. Describe 3D Printing process with a neat sketch.

3-Dimensional (3D) printing refers to a manufacturing process that builds layers of material to
create a three-dimensional solid object from a digital model. It is also known as additive
manufacturing (AM) or direct digital manufacturing (DDM).

To print a 3-D object, the manufacturer uses a 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) program to
create a digital model that gets sliced into very thin cross-sections called layers.

The 3-D printer starts at the bottom of the design and builds up successive layers of material
until the final product is finished.

This "additive" process minimizes waste because it only uses the amount of material necessary to
make the component .

Process steps involved in 3D Printing

 The production of a 3D model with the help of computer-aided design software.

 Transformation to SLT (standard tessellation language) – the sketch in CAD format is
converted to SLT, so as to be used by SLA – stereolithography apparatus
 Removing to Additive Manufacturing machine and SLT file operating. An SLT file is
copied to the computer operating a 3D printer.
 Setting up the device as each device has its own prerequisites for how to use it for each
new print. It means adding or refilling various materials the printer will use.
 Creating: The whole procedure is mainly automatic. The thickness of layers internal
diameter about 0.1 mm each. However they can be thicker or thinner. Hanging on the
size of the product, machine and materials employed, the procedure might take several
hours or even days.
 Removal: Take the printed object out of the printer. Take them as carefully as possible to
prevent injuries.
 Post-processing. It may happen so that after an object is 3D printed it will require some
post-processing – either it is removing the remaining powder or the water-soluble
supports.
 Finally the object is ready to be used
 3D PRINTING PROCESS

8. Explain in detail about Ballistic Particle Manufacturing.

BPM Technology

 The BPM personal modeler came with all hardware and software enclosed in one
compact unit.
 The BPM is controlled by a DOS based 486 powered PC which is housed within the unit.
 The BPM utilized ink jet or droplet based manufacturing techniques, where it builds the
models by firing micro-droplets of molten wax material from a moving nozzle or jet onto
 a stationary platform, the platform then lowers and the process is repeated for each layer
of the model.
 The part is built as a hollow shell.
 The parts can be scaled, rotated, or translated to a desired orientation. This is performed
on a 5 axis workstation
 BPM parts are not intended to be finished, however they may be painted.

Ballistic Particle Manufacturing Process Steps

Ballistic Particle manufacturing is also called UV lamp photo polymerization . BPM employs
a technology called digital Micro synthesis.
 In the first step of the process, molten plastic is fed to a piezoelectric jetting mechanism,
almost like those of inkjet printers.
 Next a multi-axis controlled NC (Numerical Control) system shoots tiny droplets of
material onto the target, using the jetting mechanism.
 Last, small droplets freeze upon contact with the surface, forming the surface particle by
particle

BPM Uses

 BPM parts are mainly used for concept visualization. Due to the weakness of the
material, the parts aren’t well equipped for use as functional components.
 BPM parts are useful during the design process.

BPM Advantages

 Requires minimal post-processing.

 Low toxicity.
 Minimal power consumption.
 Low cost of cost and materials.
 Ability to perform in microgravity and vacuum environments.
 BPM has no size constraints.
 The process allows use of virtually any thermoplastic. Because of this, there are no heath
hazards involved.

BPM Disadvantages

 Parts produced lack strength and durability.

 BALLISTIC PARTICLE MANUFACTURING

9. Differentiate SLA and SLS RP processes.

Stereolithography process

Principle and Process

 This is based on selective polymerization of a photosensitive resin using ultraviolet light.

 In this system, an ultraviolet laser beam is focused on the top layer of photo sensitive
resin contained in a vat.
  The beam is positions and moved in horizontal X and Y directions to polymerize the
resin within the boundary a particular cross-section.
 The cured layer of polymer is lowered by a platform attached to it, so that a fresh layer of
liquid resin covers the cured layer.

Advantages

 Achieving accuracy in industries.

 Market shares and industry presence.
 Capable of high detail and thin walls.
 Good surface finish.

Limitations

 Requires post-curing.
 Some war page, shrinkage and curl due to phase change.
 Limited materials (Photo polymers).
 Support structures always needed. Removal of support structures can be difficult.

Selective Laser Sintering Process

Principle and Process

 In this process a high power laser beam selectively melts and fuses powdered material
spread on a layer.
 The powder is metered in precise amounts and is spread by a counter-rotating roller on
the table.
 A laser beam is used to fuse the powder within the section boundary through a cross-
hatching motion.
 The table is lowered through a distance corresponding to the layer thickness (usually 0.01
mm) before the roller spreads the next layer of powder on the previously built layer.
 The unsintered powder serves as the support for overhanging portions, if any in the
subsequent layers.

Advantages

 The main advantage is that the fabricated prototypes are porous (typically 60% of the
density of molded parts), thus impairing their strength and surface finish.
 Variety of materials.
 No post curing required.
 Fast build times.
  Limited use of support structures.
 Mechanical properties of Nylon & Polycarbonate parts.

Limitations

 Rough surface finish.

 Mechanical properties below those achieved in injection molding process for same
material
 Many build variables, complex operation.
 Material changeover difficult compared to FDM & SLA.
 Some post-processing / finishing required.

10.Describe with neat sketch of SOUP process.

The SOUP process contains the following three main steps:

 Creating a 3D model with a CAD system: The three-dimensional model, usually a solid
model, of the part is created with a commercial CAD system. Three-dimensional data of
the part are then generated.

 Processing the data with the SOUPware: Often data from a CAD system are not
faultless enough to be used by the RP system directly. SOUP’s software, SOUPware, can
edit CAD data, repair its defects, like gaps, overlaps, etc. slice the model into cross-
sections and finally, SOUPware generates the corresponding SOUP machine data.

 Making the model with the SOUP units: The laser scans the resin, solidifying it
according to the cross-sectional data from SOUP ware. The elevator lowers and the liquid
covers the top layer of the part which is recoated and prepared for the next layer. This is
repeated until the whole part is created.

SOUP’s hardware contains a communication controller, a laser controller, a shutter/filter

controller, a scanner controller (galvanometer mirror unit) and an elevator controller. The
SOUPware, SOUP’s software is a real-time working, multi-user and multi-machine control
software. It has functions such as simulation, convenient editor for editing and error repair, 3D
offset, loop scan for filling area between the outlines, delectable structure and automatic support
generation.
Principle

The SOUP system has the option for XY plotter, which is easier to control and has less optic
problems than the galvanometer mirror system. The main trade-off is in scanning speed and
consequently, the building speed. Parameters which influence performance and functionality are
galvanometer mirror precision for the galvanometer mirror machine, laser spot diameter, slicing
thickness and resin properties.

Applications

The application areas of the SOUP systems include the following:

 Concept models for design verification, visualization and commercial presentation

purposes.
 Working models for form fitting and simple functional tests.
 Master models and patterns for silicon molding, lostwax, investment casting, and sand
casting.
 As completely finished parts.
 Medical purposes. Creating close to exact physical models of a patient’s anatomy from
CT and MRI scans.
 Three-dimensional stereolithography copy of existing product.
 SOLID OBJECT ULTRAVIOLET LASER PLOTTER

Advantages:

The main advantages of SOUP systems are:

 New recoating system. The new recoating system provides a more accurate Z layer and
shorter production time.
 Software system. The software system allows for real time processing.
 High scanning speed. It has scanning speeds of up to 20 m/sec.

Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of SOUP systems are:

 Requires support structures: Structures that have overhangs and undercuts must have
supports that are designed and fabricated together with the main structure.
 Requires post-processing: Post-processing includes removal of supports and other
unwanted materials, which is tedious, timeconsuming and can damage the model.
 Requires post-curing: Post-curing may be needed to cure the object completely and
ensure the integrity of the structure.