DLS (Clip)

Step 1

Printing

The build plate of the DLS printer sits above a reservoir of photopolymer material. At the start of the process printer’s build platform is lowered and submerged in the reservoir of photopolymer where the digital light source exposes a raft layer off which the part will be suspended by its network of supports. At the completion of the first layer the build platform lifts up above the surface of the photopolymer when a levelling arm spreads and agitates the material. For all remaining layers, the previously hardened part layer returns to the photopolymer and a digital light source projects each layer onto it until the part build is complete.

Step 2

Washing

The parts are then washed in a resin cleaner to remove excess photopolymer from the surface of the print.

Step 3

Support Removal

Manual Removal Supports are designed to be minimal and are easily clipped or snapped off after printing. Soluble Support Removal Non-applicable. Manual Cleaning Notes Precision snips or flush cutters are used; support contact points are designed to minimise post-cleanup.

Step 4

Surface Finishing

Sanding / Polishing Sometimes applied at support contact points or for cosmetic finishing, but often not required due to the smooth native surface. Chemical Smoothing / Coating Non-applicable; surface finish is already high due to the continuous printing process. Painting / Priming Possible, though typically limited to visual prototypes or branded parts. Gloss / Matte Control Managed during design and through post-processing coatings if desired (e.g., matte spray finish.)

Step 5

Curing / Heat Treatment

UV / Thermal Curing Essential step. DLS (Clip) parts require a thermal bake (not UV) in a programmable convection oven to achieve final mechanical properties, cross-linking, and durability. This is known as "dual-cure". Annealing / Stress Relief Non-applicable (thermal cure provides all needed post-cure transformation.)

Step 6

Assembly and Functional Finishing

Gluing or Bonding Can be done using cyanoacrylate, epoxy, or structural adhesives depending on the resin. Drilling / Tapping / CNC Possible, though mechanical features are usually built into the design due to high accuracy. Inserts / Fasteners Press-fit or heat-set inserts are often used in functional assemblies.

Step 7

Special Treatments

Infiltration / Sealing Non-applicable; DLS (Clip) parts are solid and non-porous. Functional Coatings May include UV protection, rubber overmoulding, or paint depending on application. Post-print Functionalisation Silicone overmoulding, adhesive backing, sterilisation (for medical-grade materials), or coating with biocompatible layers depending on use case.