Description
Phenom is the latest 3D printer by Peopoly. Unlike the brand’s previous printers in the Moai series (which use
laser), Phenom uses the MSLA (LCD+LED) approach.
MSLA is much faster than laser when printing a large object or a full plate of small objects because the entire
layer is cured from resin. Laser and FDM plastic extrusion have to print point to point and are thus much slower.
Peopoly’s customized light engine has even more light distribution than other printers using MSLA technology
and a cooling system to improve print results while extending the life of the mask . The 12.5” 4k LCD panel size
offers the optimal balance of resolution, print size, and affordability.
Phenom’s low price-point makes this technology accessible to more users and applications. The modular design
pioneered in Moai series allows for future upgrades to many areas of the system, extending the lifespan of the
printer.
Peopoly will also offer engineering resins designed specifically for Phenom. These resins offer high impact
resistance, high-temperature resistance, high precision or extra fast printing for industrial applications.
There are two key areas that determine how well a MSLA printer works:
Light Engine
Phenom’s custom optical lens design improves the light distribution while blocking infrared heat from the LED
array. There is also a high velocity fan array to keep the heat sink cool. Since LED arrays can get very hot and it
is difficult to keep proper light distribution on the mask, the optical lens allows for balanced temperature and
proper light distribution for consistent results.
Peel mechanism:
When UV light cures the resin, the object sticks to both the build plate and vat. It’s challenging at each layer to
peel the print off from the vat without tearing the entire print off the build plate.
Peopoly has developed a special film processing technique that reduces the bond between the cured resin and
the resin vat, improving the print success rate and quality. The processing can be applied to low cost common
Teflon films, giving Phenom an advantage over other SLA printers.
Primary Applications
Rapid prototyping to check shape for many industries
On-demand manufacturing for customized one-off design (e.g. custom car parts, research tools, movie
props, interior decoration, advertisement piece, etc.)
Small-batch productions (e.g. miniatures, small run electronic casings, jewelry making, etc.)
Medical (e.g. dental, customized wearable items like braces for injured limbs, shoe inserts, surgical
planning props, etc.)
The Tech
Stereolithography is a type of 3D printing that utilizes light to create physical objects out of resins. The basic
premise is that there are chemicals (photoinitiators) that can make resins cure into solids when the mixture (resin
with photoinitiators) is exposed to UV light.
There are many ways to deliver UV light to the laser: laser, projector (DLP as in digital light processing) and
MSLA (LED+LCD)—think of a TV panel but instead of emitting colorful lights, it emits UV lights.
