DLP Printing pt 1: The Basics

After some research, it seems as though the next step in the 3D printing revolution will be in the form of Stereolithography (SLA). This process differs in a couple key ways from PLA, and has its own benefits and downsides. SLA works by exposing a portion of a UV curable resin to light waves in the correct spectrum to selectively harden that area into plastic. 3D systems pioneered this technique in the late '80s and has been the leader in commercial grade printers since then. Only recently has it been made available to consumers. The newly announced Formlabs Form 1 printer is the first truly competitive SLA device, competing with the highest quality Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers such as the MakerBot Replicator 2.

(image source: Wikipedia: Stereolithography)

Just like the RepRap, people have begun to construct their own versions of SLA printers. There are two main ways to harden the polymer: via a laser pointer, and with a projector. Lasers are harder to cool and cost much more than a projector, so most DIYers use a projector. Not any projector will work though. It seems as though DLP projectors are needed to crank out the UV light needed to cure the polymer.

Some great sources on DIY DLP projectors are below:

Better Printer Blogspot

3D Homemade Blogspot

The legend: Gary Hodgson's DLP printer

LemonCurry Wiki

(my attempt at making a diagram of the set up)

These have been my guides in the design of my printer. I aim to make everything freely and openly available, and will upload all parts to Thingiverse to help start a new wave of DLP printers. This is part 1 of many chronicling my build, I hope it serves to be a helpful guide. Enjoy!