Microstereolithography is a promising RP-based micro-fabrication technique that aims to
meet the demands for complex geometry micro-scale parts. Projection microstereolithography
incorporates a Dynamic Pattern Generator to obtain high resolution in the parallel plane.
However, its lateral resolution has been always limited by the final layer thickness and the long
resin settling time, both of which rely on the recoating process. In order to find the critical
factors behind the recoating process, a numerical simulation method (Computational Fluid
Dynamics, CFD) has been used to investigate the relationships among final layer thickness,
settling time, resin viscosity and ratio of object/container size. These results are helpful for the
selection of resin characteristics and the design of the microstereolithography machine.Mechanical Engineerin
