ABSTRACT
Most liquid-based additive manufacturing processes create parts in a vat of photocurable liquid resin, an organic resin that cures or solidifies under exposure to light, typically within the UV range. The light cures the resin close to the surface, creating a thin, hardened film. If the complete layer of the component is made, the elevation control system is lowered to allow the next surface of resin to be coated and similarly shaped over it. It will continue until the entire section is over. The vat could then be drained and, if necessary, the component removed for further processing. Differences in this method differ from one manufacturer to another, depending on the form of light or laser, the process of scanning or illumination, the form of liquid resin, and the type of elevation and optical device used. Another way is by squeezing drops of liquid photopolymer onto a built-in tray through a print head, similar to inkjet printing, and curing them with UV light. Also, there are differences in the method depending on the form of resin, temperature, elevation, and so on.
