Rapid manufacturing of mechatronic components — Applications of stereolithography

Mechatronics is based on the integration of mechanics and electronics. Because of the geometric complexity of the modules of mechatronics it is challenging to apply additive manufacturing. Additive fabrication techniques can help to produce rapidly customized mechatronic components. If the principle of the additive process is considered in the early state of the product development, novel design concepts are opened up, which cannot be realized by conventional machining methods. The focus of this study is to evaluate the actual potential of stereolithography for the rapid manufacturing of gears, pneumatic actuators, electropneumatic sensors and other equipment needed for the integration into mechatronic systems. The opportunities and limitations of stereolithograpy for the rapid manufacturing of such components are discussed in this paper.