Infrared Laser Stereolithography

Abstract

Infrared laser stereolithography is a new process of stereolithography, substantially different from those already existents; that uses an infrared laser (carbon dioxide laser) to localize the curing reaction of a thermo-sensitive materials building the desired three-dimensional (3D) shape. Being developed by Scarparo and collaborators at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, since 1992 [1], and patented in 2002, this technique is to have commercial value, with thermo-sensitive material that must have useful properties for applications in rapid manufacturing and tooling, medicine, or other important fields. Certainly, further advances and process optimization are a part of the ongoing activities that are in consonance with a large number of programs around the world of very interesting work towards improvement of stereolithography process.