Low-cost Spatial Beam Combination enabling UV Laser Diode Arrays for Stereolithography

Additive layer manufacturing (ALM) has revolutionised the near-net-shape fabrication of precision componentsand advanced cellular and microlattice materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive & medicaldevices. The laser is the primary component and expense in ALM machines but despite high costs (>£25k), thecost and performance of current laser sources particularly for stereolithography result in manufacturingcosts only supporting prototyping. Applied Materials Technology and Euriscus Ltd seek to address thisrequirement through a novel enabling laser technology for stereolithography with a radical improvements tothe cost, power density, compactness, stability, switching speed, reliability, longevity, tuneability, compactnessand electrical efficiency. The step change in the expense, functionality, performance and size of lasers forstereolithography will significantly improve laser scanning speeds, improve part quality and bring opportunitiesto introduce high speed raster scanning systems to promote ALM as an industrial production technology fornovel components and advanced materials.