Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has significantly changed the prototyping process in terms of technology, construction, materials, and their multiphysical properties. Among the most popular 3D printing techniques is vat photopolymerization, in which ultraviolet (UV) light is deployed to form chains between molecules of liquid light-curable resin, crosslink them, and as a result, solidify the resin. In this manuscript, three photopolymerization technologies, namely, stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and continuous digital light processing (CDLP), are reviewed. Additionally, the after-cured mechanical properties of light-curable resin materials are listed, along with a number of case studies showing their applications in practice. The manuscript aims at providing an overview and future trend of the photopolymerization technology to inspire the readers to engage in further research in this field, especially regarding developing new materials and mathematical models for microrods and bionic structures.

This paper deals with an experimental analysis of stress prediction and simulation prior to 3D printing via the selective laser melting (SLM) method and the subsequent separation of a printed sample from a base plate in two software programs, ANSYS Addictive Suite and MSC Simufact Additive. Practical verification of the simulation was performed on a 3Dprinted topologically optimized part made of AISI 316L stainless steel. This paper presents a typical workflow for working with metallic 3D printing technology and the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of stress analysis and simulation of printed components. The paper emphasizes the role of simulation software for additive production and reflects on their weaknesses and strengths as well, with regard to their use not only in science and research but also in practice.