Stereolithography: Three Decades of UV Technology Innovation

摘要

Since the first patent application in the field was officially filled in 1984, stereolithography (SL) has advanced to become a fascinating technological innovation. This technology uses digital data to create complex three-dimensional structures by curing a liquid resin using a UV laser. The parts fabricated from there have been widely applied for model verification, functional testing and direct manufacturing because of the accuracy, speed and versatility of the SL process. It serves many industries, including service bureaus, consumer products, automotive, medical/ dental, motorsports, aerospace and architecture, as well as academic and government/military. The tremendous success of stereolithography came about because of advances in photocurable materials, UV laser technology and 3D computer imaging. This paper will review the different technological achievements that allowed for the growth of stereolithography.