2.5 STEREOLITHOGRAPHY DETAILS

4.2.5 Stereolithography

Details: The SLA Manufacturing

Process

To create any individual layer, the laser traces out the boundaries of a layer first. This

is called bordering; imagine a large elastic band or loop lying on the surface. Second,

a hatching or weaving pattern crosses the entire area. Third, the hatched areas are

filled in, causing the final gelling and solidification (Figure 4.5).

After each layer is formed, the laser scanning moves to the next layer. How-

ever, some careful process planning is needed to create the accuracy of only a few

thousandths of an inch. Details that control accuracy are presented after Figure 4.5.

138

Solid Freeform Fabrication

(SFF) and Rapid Prototyping

Chap. 4

'\

I