- Design the object in a solid modeling CAD program such as IronCAD
and export the 3D object to an STL file. Make sure that the STL exported
is refined enough for your usage.
Picture from HowStuffWorks.com - The software will do the part slicing and chop the 3D CAD object into layers (typically 10 layers/mm).
- Initially, the machine tank is filled with liquid photopolymer. The machine will render the object by hardening each layer of the object using a laser beam which is controlled by a computer. The liquid polymer will harden and turn into a solid when it is exposed to the laser beam.
- The platform moves down into the tank to prepare for the next layer.
- The process repeats until all the layers are done.
- After the run is complete, the object is rinsed in a solvent and baked in an ultraviolet oven to thoroughly cure the plastic and complete the polymerization process.
- The object may then be finished by various methods including sandblasting,
painting, sanding or dyeing.
Picture from HowStuffWorks.com