Vat polymerisation uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin, out of which the model is constructed layer by layer. An ultraviolet (UV) light is used to cure or harden the resin where required, whilst a platform moves the object being made downwards after each new layer is cured.

Where is vat polymerization used?

Most 3D printers that use vat photopolymerization keep liquid photopolymer in a container or vat, with the build platform partially submerged at the liquid’s surface. The printer directs a light source to selectively cure the liquid photopolymer into a solid layer using information from a CAD file.

What is polymerization in additive manufacturing?

Vat polymerization is a type of additive manufacturing technique that offers an attractive strategy for fabricating 3D objects due to its high resolution, versatility of feedstock materials, and high dimensional accuracy.