SUMMARY

Large Area Maskless Photopolymerization (LAMP) is a novel additive manufacturing technology intended for the fabrication of integrally cored ceramic molds for the investment casting of precision components such as high-pressure turbine airfoils. A detailed overview of the various digital data processing schemes that have been developed and implemented for LAMP is given. Several software algorithms that have been tailored for LAMP allow for some novel capabilities. Experimental studies conducted to characterize the side scattering behavior of LAMP ceramic suspension and its behavior under gray scale exposure are also presented. Furthermore, a potential multi-functional design scheme is proposed to alleviate the problem of unsupported islands, which beleaguer most layer-based processes. Finally, some novel cooling schemes which yield superior cooling performance in turbine blades and are manufacturable through LAMP are presented, thus providing a glimpse into the potential impact of LAMP in the investment casting of advanced turbine airfoils.