Vat Polymerization

Vat polymerization is a form of three-dimensional (3D) printing. Historically, it is the oldest additive manufacturing technique, with the development of stereolithography apparatus (SLA) by Charles Hull in 1986. This article outlines the various forms of vat polymerization techniques used for biomedical applications. Due to the complex nature of this printing process, many key print parameters and material properties need to be considered to ensure a successful print. These influential parameters are addressed throughout the article to inform the reader of the considerations that should be taken when using the vat polymerization technique. The article provides information on vat polymerization printer setup, the photo-cross-linking mechanism, and considerations using vat polymerization. In addition, it outlines and discusses the advancements of vat polymerization in the biomedical industry.