Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus that forms a three-dimensional model by sequentially laminating cured resin layers through repetition of a cycle of selectively applying light to liquid photocurable resin to form a cured resin layer, further applying liquid photocurable resin on the cured resin layer, and applying light to form a cured resin layer. The apparatus includes a table, a dispenser to supply the liquid photocurable resin onto the table, a recoater to apply the photocurable resin, and a controller to slow down a moving speed of the recoater based on a moving distance of the recoater during application operation of the recoater.

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus that forms a three-dimensional model by sequentially laminating cured resin layers through repetition of a cycle of selectively applying light to liquid photocurable resin to form a cured resin layer, further applying liquid photocurable resin on the cured resin layer, and applying light to form a cured resin layer. The apparatus includes a table, a dispenser to supply the liquid photocurable resin onto the table, a recoater to apply the photocurable resin, and a controller to slow down a moving speed of the recoater based on a moving distance of the recoater during application operation of the recoater.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a metal mold for micro components at low cost in a short time by using an optically molded object formed by an optical molding method. A method of manufacturing a mold for molding in accordance with the present invention includes forming a three-dimensional molded object by applying a photo-curable liquid resin composition, irradiating the photo-curable liquid resin composition with light, and removing non-cured portions of the photo-curable liquid resin composition, and forming the mold for molding based on the three-dimensional molded object, the method further including forming a metal coating covering the three-dimensional molded object, removing the three-dimensional molded object covered with the metal coating; and taking the metal coating as the mold for molding.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical molding method that is capable of taking out the model shape of an optically-molded object with high accuracy, and capable of performing molding with high accuracy even when a shape having a fine structure or a microstructure is molded.

Abstract: A stereolithography method capable of accurately forming a three-dimensional model with a desired shape. In the stereolithography method, liquid photocurable resin is selectively exposed to light to form a cured resin layer and cured resin layers are sequentially laminated to form a three-dimensional model. The light exposure is performed on projection regions with an arbitrary area of, for example, 100 mm2 or less, and the position of the regions are changed while the exposure is performed. In the projection regions are overlap regions at the boundaries between adjacent projection regions.

Abstract: A microchip is provided with a lower substrate configured as the lower portion of the microchip, an intermediate section formed on the top of the lower substrate, and an upper substrate formed on the top of the intermediate section, wherein the lower substrate, the intermediate section, and the upper substrate are made of light-transmissive and cured resin.