Carbon part made using DLS

DLS by Carbon 3D

Get quality 3D-printed parts built from thermoset resins.

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DLS (digital light synthesis) by Carbon is an industrial 3D printing process that creates functional, end-use parts with mechanically isotropic properties and smooth surface finishes. You can choose from both rigid and flexible polyurethane materials to meet your application needs for high impact-resistance components.

Common application for DLS by Carbon are:

  • complex designs that are challenging to mould
  • need for isotropic mechanical properties and smooth surface finish
  • production parts in materials comparable to ABS or polycarbonate
  • durable components for end use


DLS by Carbon - Design Guidelines and Capabilities

Our basic guidelines for DLS (digital light synthesis) by Carbon include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.



DLS by Carbon - Material Options


carbon epx86fr

EPX 82 - By Carbon
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Carbon EPX 82 is a high-strength epoxy-based engineering material with excellent long-term durability and mechanical properties comparable to lightly glass-filled thermoplastics (e.g. 20% GF-PBT, 15% GF-Nylon).

Primary Benefits

  • High -Strength
  • Long-Term Durability
  • Functional Toughness

Datasheet

EPX 86FR - By Carbon
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Carbon EPX 86FR is a flame-retardant resin that offers functional toughness, high strength, and long-term stability. It works well in a variety of applications that require UL 94 V-0 or FAR 25.853(a) ratings.  

Primary Benefits 

  • Flame retardant (UL94 V-0 at 2 mm thick)
  • Chemical resistance  

Datasheet

 

FPU 50 - By Carbon
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Carbon FPU 50 exhibits the highest elongation of any of the 3D printing thermoset resins at 200% making it the most flexible option. Available in black, it falls under the PP-like category of 3D printing resins.

Primary Benefits

  • Highest elongation properties
  • Fatigue resistance

Datasheet

RPU 70 Rigid Polyurethane
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RPU 70 Rigid Polyurethane is manufactured through Carbon’s DLS (digital light synthesis) process. It is a tough all-purpose engineering grade material that comes in black and can be categorised as an ABS-like materials.

Primary Benefits

  • Tough material
  • UL 94 HB flame resistance classification

Datasheet



Compare Material Properties for DLS by Carbon

Material Colour Tensile Strength Tensile Modulus Elongation
EPX 82 - By Carbon Black 84 MPa 2,800 MPa 8%
EPX 86FR - By Carbon  Black 90 MPa 3,300 MPa 10%
RPU 70 - By Carbon Black 41.4 MPa 1,690 MPa 100%
Carbon FPU 50 Black 27.6 MPa 690 MPa 200%

These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters. The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.


Surface Finish on DLS (By Carbon) Parts

Shown below is a Carbon DLS part built with RPU 70 Rigid Polyurethane in normal resolution (0.1 mm).

natural finish on black dls part

Unfinished

With unfinished, you get varying aesthetics based on build orientation. Dots or standing nibs remain evident on the bottom of the part from the support structure remnants.

carbon dls part

Natural Finish

With natural finishing, you get varying aesthetics based on build orientation. Standing nibs are sanded flat.


How Does DLS by Carbon Work?

Carbon DLS uses CLIP (continuous liquid interface production) technology to produce parts through a photochemical process that balances light and oxygen. It works by projecting light through an oxygen-permeable window into a reservoir of UV-curable resin. As a sequence of UV images are projected, the part solidifies, and the build platform rises.

At the core of the CLIP process is a thin, liquid interface of uncured resin between the window and the printing part. Light passes through that area, curing the resin above it to form a solid part. Resin flows beneath the curing part as the print progresses, maintaining the continuous liquid interface that powers CLIP. Following the build, the 3D-printed part is baked in a forced-circulation oven where heat sets off a secondary chemical reaction that causes the materials to adapt and strengthen.