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1 Introduction
1.1 What is Stereolithography (SL)?
Stereolithography is a three-dimensional printing process that produces
a solid plastic model. Using proprietary software, CAD output data is
sliced into very thin cross sections. The resulting slice sections are then
transformed into files to be used at the SL series Production Systems. A
laser generating a small, intense beam of Ultraviolet (UV) light is moved
by a computer-controlled optical scanning system across the top of a vat
containing liquid resin. The laser draws each layer of the part from the
data provided by the build data file.
As the laser contacts the resin, the beam photo polymerizes the resin
into a solid. When a layer is completed, an elevator lowers the part
deeper into the vat, covering it with resin. Leveling and recoating
systems establish the thickness and flatness of the liquid layer. When the
resin surface is stable, the laser draws the next layer of the part. As each
layer is drawn, it adheres to the previous layer, creating a solid part. This
process continues until the final layer has been drawn. The part is then
removed from the SL Production System, cleaned and post-cured with
high intensity UV energy to complete the polymerization process. The
part may then be finished by various methods including sanding,
