Abstract The characterization of photopolymerization for the rapid prototyping process has been studied using a laser stereolithography machine. The cross sections of the cured layers and lines were examined using an optical microscope. Perkin-Elmer differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)-7 was employed to investigate the degree of curing after laser scanning. It was observed that the profile of the cross section of a cured line and/or part determined by the laser exposure density is a function of laser power and scanning speed. DSC analysis shows the retained resin to be governed by laser exposure intensity and laser scanning pattern. By increasing the laser exposure or the overlapping area of two adjacent scanning lines, retained and uncured resin could be minimized. However, the efficiency of photopolymerization is lowered. The most efficient operating parameters for part building can be determined by a T factor.
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