International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2014

Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition Applications and Rapid Prototyping

KalpeshPradeep Mavalkar1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sinhgad College of engineering vadgaon, pune, India

ABSTRACT
Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition is a very special process that a solid deposit is formed from gaseous
reactants. These reactants are formed by extremely high temperatures. LCVD results in the deposition of various types
of materials. Materials are such as semiconductors, metals, dielectrics, on to different substrate materials. The
deposition happens on a pyrolytic chemical reaction which occurs in the focus of a laser beam. This process has
unbelievable capabilities which start from a small size of a heated zone. This is a very special technology used for
precise control, of thermal deposition. The direct control of the direction where the deposition occurs is extraordinary.
The LCVD process is a mask less technique.

I.

INTRODUCTION

LCVD is a recent application of the process CVD which is Chemical Vapor Deposition. CVD process used for
producing extremely strong and ultra pure ceramics, metallic fibers and surface coatings.

Figure 1 CVD Chamber

Figure 1 shows a typical CVD reaction chamber. Gas reactants go into the heated chamber.When the temperature rises
to a specific level usually above 1000 C a chemical reaction is triggered to form a solid product. The activation
energy for the deposition process is lowest at a free surface. The solid reaction occurs at the surface producing a solid
coating.
Over the last decade various researchers have modified the LCVD process. In 1972, Nelson and Richards
were the first to grow large diameters (>200um) carbon rods. The problem was the growth rate was very slow
(<10um/s). In the next 10 years LCVD the goal was to decrease fiber diameter and increase the growth rate. Then the
breakthrough was when the researchers went beyond the scope of fiber growth. Engineers went into using LCVD in 3dimensional shapes by controlling the substrate movement. By 1991 Zong and Maxwell fabricated a rectangular block
of graphite. Later Wallenburger later advanced the technologyby simultaneously moving and rotating the substrate to
produce the micro spring.
The LCVD process is a mask less technique which means flexibility and a fast rate process. It enables the
fabrication of polar and non polar which are extremely difficult tofabricate by conventional methods.

II.

RAPID PROTOTYPING IN LCVD

Rapid Prototyping system fabricates complex net shaped metallic and ceramic structures. The LCVD bonding
occurs at the atomic level, producing a material that is fully dense and pure and mechanically sounds. The LCVD
process can fabricate fibers in any given directions. For the rapid prototyping this will give the capacity for multiple
materials to composite structures. There will be no limitations on multiple fabrications in this method.
Rapid prototyping is a technology which can automatically make models from (CAD) data. The rapid prototyping uses
a 3-d technology rather then 2-d. The models fabricated in this process have many uses. It makes a great visual aid for
www.ijsret.org

647

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2014

co workers and customers to elaborate ideas and thoughts. Prototypes can be used for testing a design. In figure 5 a
typical rapid prototyping system is illustrate

Figure 2 Setup LCVD Rapid Prototyping

In figure 2 this typical setup of a rapid prototyped system. There are certain deposits required on a given layer. So a
certain amount of gas is induced in the reaction chamber.
An argon laser produces a localized heat spot on the substrate surface. Extremely high temperatures the CVD reaction
begins to deposit materials on the heated area. Then the computer measures the deposit growth rate and controls the
movement of the substrate where needed.

III. APPLICATIONS IN RAPID PROTOTYPING USING LCVD

Figure3. LCVD Stereo Lithography

This process builds 3-d models from liquid photosensitive polymers that solidify when exposed to ultraviolet
light. The model is built on a platform that is submerged in a liquid epoxy or acryl ate resin.
Layers of adhesive coated sheet materials are bonded together to form a prototype.The original material
consists of paper laminate with heat activated glue rolled up on spools. The feeder collector advances a sheet over to
the build platform, where there is doubled sided foam tape. Then the heated roller applies pressure to bond the paper.
Then the laser is used to cut an outline on the first layer, making it easy to remove. Then this process is repeated as
needed to build the component which will have a wood like finish because it is made out of paper, then a sealer is used
so the component will not get moisture damage.

www.ijsret.org

648

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2014

Figure4 Laminated Oil Manufacturing

Figure 5 Ink Jet Printing

IV. NEEDS, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RAPID PROTOTYPING
In the United States rapid prototyping is used more than in any other country. In Europe and Japan layered building
techniques has developed slower. In Japan and in Europe rapid prototyping are being used. The production of rapid
prototyping in these areas is very limited and slow. In Europe metal components and tooling are the predominate task.
The needs, goals and objectives of rapid prototyping are the same in Europe and Japan but the importance is different.
Japan has a inclination to strive on accuracy, but in Europe the tooling industry is predominate.
V. CONCLUSION
The LCVD process is a fantastic method which allows deposition of a variety of types of materials on to
different substrate materials. The extraordinary part of this is that it takes place in the area of a laser beam. The LCVD
method is astonishing in using various types of applications in rewiring and connecting IC boards, laser etching
applications, failure analysis.
Rapid prototyping is a phenomenal method, which allows you to construct a physical model from a CAD
design. The three dimensional printers allow engineers to quickly create prototypes from there design, rather than a 2d picture.This method is a great visual aid for conveying ideas to other co-workers and clients. Rapid prototyping for

www.ijsret.org

649

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2014

complicated objects is the best manufacturing process available today. Depending on the complexity of the prototype.
They require 3 to 72 hours to build; this depends on the size and difficulty of the prototype.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is grateful to the support of Prof. S.D. Lokhande, Principal, Sinhgad College of engineering vagabond
pune, and prof. Vanakudre HOD of mechanical engineering department.

REFERENCES
1. Rapid Prototyping and engineering applications by Frank W. Liou publisher CRC press 2007.
2. Chemical Vapour Deposition" by Yan Xiu- Tian 1st ED. publisher "Springer" in 2010 engineering
materials and processes.

www.ijsret.org

650