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PIKA UV Head
Current source files are here https://github.com/VikOlliver/RepRapMicron/tree/main/UV_head
An existing method1 for curing UV resin in situ to make 3D structures can readily be implemented on the μRepRap using commonly available optical fibre leads and UV LED modules.
Optical fabrication techniques are not a primary aim for μRepRap as they do not work well on scales smaller than the wavelength of light accessible to the typical workshop (~380nm). Thus they will not scale to smaller μRepRaps.
However, using UV light patterning to cure resin in situ offers a rapid way to produce structures with members on the order of tens or hundreds of micrometres a side. These would otherwise be tedious to fabricate with dip-pen techniques.
In μRepRap tradition, all parts are standard commercial components and should be readily available in most localities.
UV source and optical fibre parts described below (left), Optic Probe Holder on Z Axis (right)
Optical fibre patch lead (A) spec ??? 125/9.
UV is generated by a "3W" (dubious manufacturer rating) UV LED module (B). This module uses an aluminium PCB as its heatsink. If not availabe as a part, it can also be found inside many USB UV lamps sold for hobbies. The module is intended to be driven at 5V.
TBC
Work by Diffraction Limited demonstrated how a UV laser directed down an optical fibre could be used by a micromanipulator to print 3D objects on the micron scale. Their technique is more refined, using a 4μm fibre, and adding a readily available dye to the resin to prevent the UV beam from over-curing the depth of the resin. These may be implemented on the μRepRap, but the objective from μRepRap's perspective is to rapidly generate bulk material. Fine detail can be added with probe-based deposition later