Which technology utilizes a laser to solidify resin in layers?

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that employs a laser to cure liquid resin into solid form, layer by layer. This process begins with a tank of photosensitive resin and a build platform. A focused laser beam traces the cross-section of the part on the surface of the liquid resin, solidifying it in precise shapes as dictated by the digital model.

The main advantage of SLA is its ability to produce highly detailed and smooth surfaces due to the fine layer resolution typical for this technology. As the build platform moves downwards, additional layers of resin are exposed to the laser, leading to the creation of a complete three-dimensional object. This layer-by-layer approach is foundational in additive manufacturing, allowing for complex geometries that traditional manufacturing methods might struggle to achieve.

In contrast, the other technologies mentioned utilize different methods for creating parts. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to fuse powdered materials, while Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) extrudes thermoplastic filaments to build up layers. Extrusion Printing also refers to similar processes that push material through a nozzle to create layers, differing fundamentally from the photopolymerization approach of SLA. Each technique has its unique applications and