Stereolithography.com

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY: Software translates design data for an object into a series of very thin cross sections. A perforated platform in a vat of liquid photosensitive polymer rises to the surface. The fluid bubbles up through the platform, and a blade sweeps across, leaving a film. An ultraviolet laser beam, directed by a mirror, traces out the first cross section, converting precise portions of the coating into a solid. The platform drops slightly, and the blade smoothes the liquid just over the solidified area. The laser hardens the second layer on top of the first, and so on, building up the structure. Support columns are added as needed and are later removed.

To see the complete article published in “Scientific American” please click here or on the link on the bottom of the page to download it.