Projection algorithm and its optimizations for computed axial lithography: A review

Abstract

Volumetric additive manufacturing (AM) is a novel AM method that offers advantages such as fast printing speed and isotropic mechanical properties. As an important branch of volumetric AM, computed axial lithography (CAL) based on azimuthal projections and rotational printing has attracted great attention and has been widely used in recent years. Here, we focus on the projection algorithms of CAL, which is critical to the printing quality, including its fidelity and accuracy. Different optimization methods, including iterative optimization of projection space and objective model, optimization for the optical influences of materials, and optimizations with hardware upgrades, are summarized. The features and advantages of different projection optimization algorithms are also analyzed and discussed, which could promote the application and development of volumetric AM.

Keywords

Computed axial lithography / Radon transform / 3D bioprinting / Volumetric additive manufacturing