vatPhotopolymerisation

Vat photopolymerisation is a group of additive manufacturing processes that use light to cure or solidify a liquid photopolymer resin. The process involves a build platform submerged in a vat of liquid resin. A light source, typically a UV laser or projector, selectively exposes the resin according to a digital 3D model. Where the light strikes the resin, it polymerises or hardens, adhering to the layer below or the build platform. The build platform then moves up or down by a small increment, and a new layer of liquid resin is spread over the solidified layer. This process repeats layer by layer until the object is fully formed.

Common technologies within vat photopolymerisation include Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP). SLA uses a UV laser beam to trace the cross-section of each layer, offering high precision and fine detail. DLP employs a digital projector to flash an image of an entire layer at once, which can result in faster print times. The cured objects are typically strong and have a smooth surface finish, making them suitable for applications requiring detailed geometries and aesthetic qualities. Post-processing often involves washing away excess uncured resin and a final UV curing step to achieve optimal material properties.