Introduction to vat polymerization 3D printing technologies

In the past decade since 2012, additive manufacturing has experienced its fastest development worldwide, combining material and computer techniques. During the same period, a number of business partners in collaboration with academic universities and research institutes have emerged to prompt the quick commercialization of 3D printing techniques. As one of the most popular 3D printing techniques, vat polymerization additive manufacturing moves superior to its peers with higher accuracy, faster speed, and larger scale. It can also be researched for manufacturing tons of functional components, carrying the leading characteristics, incredibly complex structures, and multimaterials. To date, there is a high necessity to review the state of the art with vat polymerization. This chapter is organized differently from the other published review articles, in which mechanical design, working mechanisms, and control strategy are updated. The readers will find that this chapter could help them quickly identify a suitable vat polymerization method. They may also promptly start with developing a prototype for implementing their innovations.