Development of micro-stereolithography technology using a UV lamp and optical fiber

Micro-stereolithography technology makes it possible to fabricate free-form three-dimensional (3D) microstructures using a focused UV beam with a very small focal diameter to solidify a UV-curable liquid photopolymer. Generally, expensive UV lasers and complex optical systems are required. However, in this study, we developed a more economical and simpler micro-stereolithography technology using a UV lamp as a light source and optical fiber as the light delivery system. We conducted photopolymer solidification experiments to examine the characteristics of the developed micro-stereolithography apparatus. To achieve an adequate solidification width and depth, a photostabilizer was mixed with a conventional photopolymer and then tested. The developed apparatus could be used to fabricate 3D microstructures by modifying the fabrication conditions for a given photopolymer. Several 3D microstructures were fabricated.