How does Stereolithography (SLA) create objects?

Stereolithography (SLA) creates objects through the process of curing liquid resin with a UV laser. In this technology, a liquid photopolymer resin is used as the printing material. The SLA printer contains a build platform that is submerged in the resin tank. As the UV laser scans across specific areas of the liquid resin, it emits light that selectively cures and hardens the resin layer by layer, effectively building the desired 3D shape from the bottom up.

This method is particularly effective for producing high-resolution models with smooth surfaces and intricate details. The ability of the UV laser to precisely control the areas that are cured allows for the creation of complex geometries that are challenging for other additive manufacturing methods.

Other methods mentioned involve different principles that do not apply to SLA technology. For example, melting metal powder with a laser describes Selective Laser Melting (SLM), while extruding thermoplastic through a nozzle refers to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Applying pressure to solid materials aligns more with traditional manufacturing techniques rather than additive processes. Understanding the specifics of SLA helps to appreciate its unique advantages in the realm of additive manufacturing.