Huntsman Advanced Materials has launched Araldite Digitalis, a rapid manufacturing machine capable of producing large numbers of parts simultaneously at speed and with high accuracy.

Araldite Digitalis is based on new micro-electro mechanical system (Mems) technology.

At its heart is an MLS Microlightswitch, a new exposure system operating via a computer-controlled micro-mechanical shutter system that selectively exposes a larger surface area of radiation-curable resin in a single step.

The exposure, rather than a laser which exposes one point at a time, enables much faster and accurate manufacturing of very complex parts.

Araldite Digitalis consists of three key elements: the operating console, the vat enclosure with a re-coater and the exposure system.

UV light from UV lamps is distributed through fibre optics onto the exposure bar where there are MLS Microlightswitch units, which distribute UV light pixels on to the resin surface.

The computer-controlled shutter mechanisms steer the exposure of the UV light to avoid scattering.

Importantly the illuminating angle is 90 degrees, which guarantees that uniform and pinpoint accuracy is always achieved.

Micro lenses refocus the UV light after leaving the MLS.

Huntsman Advanced Materials expects Araldite Digitalis to be in full commercial use later in 2009.