Stereolithography: Basic Principles and Equipment

This lecture covers the basic principles and equipment used in stereolithography, a 3D printing process where a part is built layer by layer from a photoresist material cured by a UV laser. It explains the selective consolidation process, the role of galvanometric mirrors, and the management of UV-curing. The etymology of the term 'stereolithography' is also discussed, along with the acronym SLA. Various diagrams illustrate the design and working of stereolithography machines, including the top-down approach. Mechanical properties and technical data of stereolithography equipment are presented, highlighting materials, dimensions, build volumes, and performance metrics.