What vat photopolymerization process uses light from a single-point source to trace out a part layer?

Stereolithography is the vat photopolymerization process that employs a single-point light source, typically a laser, to trace out the geometry of a part layer by layer. This method involves a vat filled with a liquid photopolymer resin that solidifies when exposed to light. The laser moves in a controlled manner to create the desired cross-sectional shape of the part by selectively curing the resin. Once a layer is completed, the build platform lowers, allowing for the next layer of resin to be cured. This precise tracing technique allows for high-resolution production of complex geometries.

In contrast, other processes mentioned employ different mechanisms. For instance, Selective Laser Sintering uses a laser to fuse powdered materials rather than a liquid resin, and Fused Deposition Modeling relies on extruding melted filament rather than curing resin. Digital Light Processing utilizes a digital light projector to flash an entire layer of a part at once rather than tracing with a single point source. Each of these methods has its unique applications and qualities, distinguishing them from stereolithography, which specifically utilizes a single-point source for tracing.