DLP - Digital Light Processing
Additive manufacturing method in which a digital projector is used to solidify a liquid polymer layer by layer to create a 3D-object
The process
Objects are built in a shallow container with a transparent bottom filled with liquid photopolymer, which is a plastic that responds to light. An adjustable building platform is initially placed in its lowest position closest to the bottom of the container. A projector projects the cross section of the detail through the transparent base of the container, which solidifies a single layer of the photopolymer.
The platform with the solidified is then lifted so that a new thin layer of fhotopolymer is filled against the bottom of the vessel. The projection is repeated with a new cross section which builds on the previous cross section.Support structures can be created if the fluid can not support the weight of the component's overhanging parts.The cycle is repeated until the entire 3D object is created after which it is cleared of any support structures and cured in a UV oven.
Unsolified liquid can be recycled to produce new items.