Paul, The Stereo Lithography system isn't really as you describe. The system you are describing is
a layer buildup rapid prototyping system. A simpler and more efficient system than Stereo Lyth. In
the true Stereo system the part is built in a vat. The process uses two lasers, (hence stereo) and
the point at which the lasers impinge heats a special thermoplastic to the set point. The idea of
the stereo lithography system came first and then some bright guy thought of using a system like a
HP inkjet printer which worked well. The major difference between the two system is the Stereo
Lyth parts are smoother and have fewer "tie threads" to clean up. The Jet rapid prototyping system
is super for larger parts. There was even a system that used paper laminates that worked very
well. Again if you are already way ahead of me here I apologize. Bill Jepson

No problem. thanks for the clarification.  I think the term has been broadened 
to cover some of the other 3D prototyping techniques. At least this is what they 
call it at the college I go too.

Paul Lamar
 
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