High-Quality Prototypes and Serialized Production Components
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Carbon DLS™ Technology Basics
Carbon leverages digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to craft products boasting end-use durability, precise resolution, and superior surface finish. This advanced 3D printing method is known as Digital Light Synthesis™, or DLS for short. Previously, it was also referred to as Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). When paired with Carbon’s custom liquid resins, DLS opens up new business prospects and product design possibilities that were once unachievable - including mass customization and on-demand inventory for end-use items.
Carbon serves as a bridge to, and sometimes a replacement for, processes such as Urethane Casting and Injection Molding in production. Its materials are urethane-based or epoxy-based, delivering exceptional mechanical performance. There are even elastomer and silicone resins that outperform most additively manufactured rubber-like materials.
| Material Name | Description | Shore Hardness | Elongation at Break (%) | Impact Strength (J/m) | Data Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPU 70 | Rigid polyurethane | 80D | 100% | 22 J/m | RPU 70 Data Sheet |
| UMA 90 | Urethane methacrylate | 86D | 17% | 33 J/m | UMA 90 Data Sheet |
| EPX 82 | Impact-resistant epoxy | 89D | 5.9% | 44 J/m | EPX 82 Data Sheet |
| FPU 50 | Flexible polyurethane | 71D | 280% | 40 J/m | FPU 50 Data Sheet |
| EPU 40 | Elastomeric polyurethane | 68A | 310% | N/A | EPU 40 Data Sheet |
| SIL 30 | Elastomeric silicone-urethane | 35A | 330% | N/A | SIL 30 Data Sheet |
Parts created with Carbon DLS technology typically feature a matte to semi-gloss surface finish, which varies based on feature direction. Extended protrusions will display vertical lines parallel to the growth direction. Supports are removed and minimized as needed.
UMA 90 materials offer custom color mixing options. While black and white are standard, other solid colors can be used for part production.
If you don’t see the finish you require, submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) and we’ll explore a tailored finishing process for you.
Carbon DLS™ technology enables the creation of strong, flexible, and colorful prototypes.
Carbon DLS™ materials are fully dense and engineered specifically for end-use applications.
Carbon DLS™ printing is perfect for serialized production of small to medium-sized parts.
3D print directly using urethanes, epoxies, elastomers, and other specialty thermosets.
Excels at 3D printing lattice structures and organic shapes, setting an industry benchmark.
Produce production parts without the need for tooling. Serialized production of small parts is offered at prices competitive with injection molding.
| Description | Tolerance Notes |
|---|---|
| General Tolerances | Typically +/- 0.003" for the first inch, plus +/- 0.010" for each subsequent inch. For more detailed DLS tolerances, refer to Our Manufacturing Standards. |
| Build Size | The standard build area is 7.4" x 4.6" x 12.8". Parts exceeding 4" x 4" x 6" in dimensions will require manual review. |
| Ideal Part Size | Parts that are 2" x 1" x 3" or smaller tend to offer the best production economies of scale. |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | A minimum of 0.030" is recommended for any walls, text, or lattice features. |
| DLP Pixel Resolution | Approximately 0.005" square. |
This table outlines the general tolerances for Digital Light Synthesis™. Factors such as build stresses, support strategies, and other geometric considerations may lead to deviations in tolerances and flatness. Enhanced tolerances may be possible following a manual quote review and successful prototype completion, which must be approved on a case-by-case basis. General tolerances apply prior to secondary finishing or post-processing, unless stated otherwise. For more information on process-specific tolerances, please review EPTAHUB's Manufacturing Standards.
Easily compare 3D printing processes with our quick reference guides.
What sets EPTAHUB's Carbon DLS 3D printing service apart from similar processes like Stereolithography (SLA) or PolyJet 3D printing is the resin’s secondary thermal step. This step activates dormant epoxies or urethanes, resulting in parts that are far stronger than those produced through UV-curing alone. Additionally, the digital light synthesis process is continuous, eliminating the layer-by-layer pauses common in most additive manufacturing methods. This imparts isotropic properties to the parts, meaning strength remains consistent regardless of orientation—a significant advantage over processes like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), where Z-direction features are often much weaker than those built in the XY-direction.
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Select from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Have your parts delivered right to your door, without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
We hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certifications.
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