Functional prototype development: inner visible multi-color prototype fabrication process using stereo lithography

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been broadly used as design, working and master models in the industrial and medical sectors since 3D systems introduced a laser lithography apparatus into the market in the name of SLA. Many RPP systems have been introduced into the market during the past 15 years. However, until now, the systems have used mainly for external physical models (mono-function), and have the basic but critical limitation of one material on one stage (mono-material). To overcome the limitations of mono-material and mono-function of conventional RP systems, the concept of functional prototype development (FPD) is newly proposed in this paper. FPD provides the necessary prototype functions such as mechanical, optical, chemical and electrical properties in order to meet broad requirements of the industry. This paper shows the representative achievements such as colored MEMS visualization model and layer interconnection visualization of electronic packaging part by way of inner visible multi-color prototyping technology.