3D Printing With Polymers - The Stereolithography Way

Stereolithography is a unique process of creating three-dimensional objects with a computer within a few hours. It is also called 3D printing, 3D layering or additive manufacturing. It employs a novel technique to create a solid object in its entirety. The base is a drawing (CAD) and the computer uses the drawing to create the three dimensional object. The computer literally creates the object layer by layer and this is why it is also called additive manufacturing. How it works? A liquid polymer - like polyurethane resin or silicone rubber - forms the base for forming the solid plastic object. The technician has to first design a CAD drawing of the desired object. The computer will then break up the CAD program into layers before 'printing' it on the material. Indeed, the computer literally prints (or paints) the cross section pattern of the base of the object using the desired polymer in the vat. A thin layer is formed which quickly hardens when exposed to ...