StereoLithography:

"On the delivery plate of the Nutri-Matic Drink Synthesizer was a
small tray, on which sat three bone china cups and saucers, a
bone china jug of milk, a silver teapot full of the best tea
Arthur had ever tasted and a small printed note saying 'Wait.' " 
(Adams, 1980)


The technology of StereoLithography is a newly developed method
for producing physical objects from CADD generated data.  A
product of interdisciplinary collaboration between chemistry,
laser engineering, and computer science, the technique uses a
CADD database to control a laser energy source which forms the
3-D object from a liquid bath of photosensitive polymer.  

StereoLithography represents a significant development in the
ability to translate ideas into tangible constructs.  As a
modeling tool for preservation applications, it can benefit
architects in testing and presenting designs, and can be used to
quickly produce complex building elements and templates.  The
technology can facilitate the interpretation of archaeological
data by modeling and assembling artifacts that are too rare or
fragile to handle.  On the whole, SLA technology can facilitate
the exchange of ideas concerning preservation issues by virtue of
its ability to make graphic representations into tangible, three
dimensional objects.  Future developments in the properties of
the polymer matrix may lead to accurate simulations of the
density and tactile characteristics of the modeled object,
further enhancing the value of the technology as a design tool.

<ffile29>   Monitoring Technological Developments
<ffile59>   Models and prototypes
<cfile65>   Data Output