Stereolithography Process Resolution

To build smaller parts in StereoLithography (SL) and detect some build errors before fabrication, a good understanding of process resolution is needed. A categorization of resolution factors into process-inherent and software-induced categories is presented in the paper. Results from several experiments testing different aspects of SL resolution illustrate the effects of these factors. A method based on offsetting algorithms is presented to determine as-built part crosssections and aid detection of possible build errors. A method that will enhance build resolution of SL parts is proposed.