Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus comprises a fixed, vat (401) or a holder for receiving a removable vat for holding resin for use in a stereolithographic 3D printing process, a build platform (402), a moving mechanism (2003) configured to move said build platform in a working movement range be-tween a first extreme position proximal to said vat (401) and a second extreme position distant from said vat (401), a working region between said vat (401) and said second extreme position of said build platform (402), an optical imaging detector (501) having a field of view, installed and directed so that at least a part of said working region is within said field of view when said optical imaging detector is in an operating position and a controller (502, 2001) coupled to said optical imaging detector (501) for receiving optical image data from said optical imaging detector (501). Said controller (502, 2001) is configured to use said optical image data in controlling operation of the stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus, having an ex-posure arrangement (501) comprising a radiative element (505) configured to emit optical radiation, and a masking element (506) configured to form an exposure pattern by partially masking optical radiation from the radiative element (505), a table (502) having a horizontal upper surface (503) on which a vat (401) is placeable for holding resin to be photopolymerized in a stereolithographic 3D printing process by the optical radiation, wherein the masking element (506) is arranged in thermal connection with the horizontal upper surface (503), and the apparatus further comprises a controller, coupled to said radiative element (505), for emitting optical radiation from the radiative element (505) to the masking element, and to said masking element (506), for keeping the masking element closed, wherein the controller is configured to execute a preheating process for the resin to heat the resin in the vat by emitting optical radiation from the radiative element (505) to

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus comprises a fixed vat (401) or a holder for receiving a removable vat for holding resin for use in a stereolithographic 3D printing process, an optical radiator (901) configured to project a pattern upon a portion of said vat (401), an optical imaging detector *501 (field of view, installed and directed so that said portion of said vat (401) and/or a surface onto which the projected pattern is reflected—is within said field of view when said optical imaging detector (501) is in an operating position, and a controller (502, 2001) coupled to said optical imaging detector (501) for receiving optical image data from said optical imaging detector (501). Said controller (502, 2001) is configured to use said optical image data to calculate an amount of resin in said vat (401).

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus comprises a reader device (501) configured to read an identifier (802) of a vat (401), and a controller (502) coupled to said reader device (501) and configured to receive data read in by said reader device (501). Said data includes use history data of the vat (401) or said controller (502) is configured to read in use history data of the vat (401) from a database external to the vat (401) as a response to reading in the data. Said controller (502) is configured to use a piece of said use history data as a value of an operating parameter of said stereolithography apparatus or to generate an alarm.

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus comprises a fixed, vat (401) or a holder for receiving a removable vat for holding resin for use in a stereolithographic 3D printing process, a build platform (402), a moving mechanism (2003) configured to move said build platform in a working movement range be-tween a first extreme position proximal to said vat (401) and a second extreme position distant from said vat (401), a working region between said vat (401) and said second extreme position of said build platform (402), an optical imaging detector (501) having a field of view, installed and directed so that at least a part of said working region is within said field of view when said optical imaging detector is in an operating position and a controller (502, 2001) coupled to said optical imaging detector (501) for receiving optical image data from said optical imaging detector (501). Said controller (502, 2001) is configured to use said optical image data in controlling operation of the stereolithography apparatus.