Summary + Thesis Draft 1

Summary

Stereolithography (SLA 3D printing) is an advanced rapid prototyping process in which a light source precisely cures a liquid resin into solid plastic. (Formlabs, 2024) According to the Formlabs website (2024), SLA 3D printing differs from other 3D printing technologies mainly by its advantages: the fastest print speeds, the highest resolution and accuracy, the sharpest details, and extremely smooth surface finishes. In addition, another highlight of resin 3D printing is the diversity of materials. Materials manufacturers have developed a range of innovative SLA resin formulations that offer excellent optical, mechanical and thermal properties comparable to standard, engineering and industrial grade thermoplastics. As technology continues to advance and 3D printing matures, SLA technology is becoming more affordable and easier to use, providing significant support for organizations to increase productivity and achieve volume production capabilities.  

  Thesis

 Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing has significantly improved in recent years. One major advantage is the printer can produce durable outputs, such as rebar which enhances structural integrity. (Endura Steel. 2023. “Rebar Innovations: How Advanced Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Reinforcing Steel.” ) However, a drawback is that SLA resins are hazardous, requiring careful handling. 

 

Reference 

Unionfab. (2023, July). 3D printing cost and speed. Retrieved from https://www.unionfab.com/blog/2023/07/3d-printing-cost-and-speed 

Endura Steel. 2023. “Rebar Innovations: How Advanced Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Reinforcing Steel.” Endura Steel. https://endura-steel.com/rebar-innovations-how-advanced-technologies-are-shaping-the-future-of-reinforcing-steel. 

Thesis of SLA 3D printer

Stereolithography (SLA 3D Printer) is an advanced rapid prototyping manufacturing process that precisely cures liquid resin through light sources, transforming it into solid plastic. (Formlabs, 2024) According to Formlabs' website (2024), SLA 3D printing differs from other 3D printing technologies primarily through its advantages: fastest printing speed, highest resolution and precision, clearest details, and extremely smooth surface finish. Additionally, resin 3D printing's other highlight is material diversity. Material manufacturers have developed a series of innovative SLA resin formulations that demonstrate exceptional optical, mechanical, and thermal performance, with characteristics comparable to standard, engineering, and industrial-grade thermoplastics. With continuous technological advancement and the gradual maturation of 3D printing technology, SLA technology has become more economical and accessible, providing critical support for enterprises to improve production efficiency and achieve batch production capabilities. According to ChatGPT, one of the world's fastest SLA 3D printers currently is the NXE 400Pro from Nexa3D. According to ChatGPT, the Nexa3D NXE400Pro is one of the fastest SLA 3D printers in the world. However, like regular SLA printers, it still faces issues such as high resin costs, unused resin aging or contamination leading to waste, and the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in resins posing threats to the environment and operators. Additionally, resin waste disposal remains an environmental challenge.

Research pathway

Chatgpt prompts for SLA 3D printer: Overview of 3D together with its features and functions with APA style 7th edition

Personal Problem Reflection Exercise

update 21/1/25 Improvements come from Lyka's suggestion

Self-Introduction Letter

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone, 

 

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Zhiguang, and I am honored to be part of your Critical Thinking module. I am particularly drawn to this module because I believe it will not only enhance my English proficiency but also help me express myself more effectively in my future career.

 

I graduated in 2022 with a diploma in BCA Construction Engineering. Although my GPA was modest, I initially chose to pursue architecture under the influence of my parents. However, I am deeply grateful to SIT for allowing me to rechallenge myself. Here, I have met many interesting and inspiring peers who have reignited my passion for learning. By overcoming various challenges, I have been able to continuously improve myself. It is this process of self-improvement and pushing beyond my limits that has made me fall in love with learning. 

 

One of my strengths is my ability to communicate effectively with others. I respect and value everyone I interact with, as I believe every person I meet has a meaningful purpose in my life. Whether I am learning from their strengths or their weaknesses, I find that every interaction offers valuable lessons. This ongoing process of learning and evolving into a better version of myself is something I truly enjoy.

 

One of my weaknesses is my tendency to approach challenges by anticipating the worst-case scenario. While this helps me manage expectations and stay grounded, it can sometimes prevent me from fully embracing opportunities or taking risks. I am actively working to overcome this by striving to balance realistic expectations with a more optimistic outlook. I believe this shift will help me grow both personally and professionally. 

 For this module, I have two specific goals. First, I hope to build more confidence in expressing my ideas during class discussions and feel more comfortable sharing my perspectives. Second, I aim to learn how to think more critically and approach problems from multiple angles, enabling me to tackle future challenges more effectively and comprehensively. What sets me apart from others is my enjoyment of problem-solving, coupled with my emphasis on achieving meaningful results. In pursuing my goals, I work diligently and actively seek solutions, as growth and transformation often stem from facing and overcoming challenges. 

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to achieving my learning objectives and gaining further inspiration and growth through your module. 

 

Best regards,

Zhiguang
update 21/1/25 Improvements come from Royston's suggestion

Read peckshien, zhanyuan and Royston letter. 

The reason I appreciate this statement

 Excellent communication skills are the core of leadership, not just in delivering information but in inspiring urgency and enthusiasm. Through clear expression and influence, leaders transform knowledge and ideas into tangible actions, driving the team toward achieving goals. Without effective communication, even the best ideas lose their impact, hindering progress and collaboration. Therefore, communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership and the key to motivating the team to move forward together.

The Importance of communication skills for engineers

 "Developing excellent communication  skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter."                                              

Gilbert Amelio, former President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp

The reason that I appreciate this statement is because excellent communication skills are the core of leadership, not just in delivering information but in inspiring urgency and enthusiasm. Through clear expression and influence, leaders transform knowledge and ideas into tangible actions, driving the team toward achieving goals. Without effective communication, even the best ideas lose their impact, hindering progress and collaboration. Therefore, communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership and the key to motivating the team to move forward together.