CSWA Additive Manufacturing Practice Exam 2026 - Free Additive Manufacturing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The final step necessary when using SLA (Stereolithography) printing to ensure object strength is to subject the object to post-curing. This process involves exposing the printed object to additional UV light after it has been removed from the printer and any excess resin has been cleaned off.

During the printing process, the resin is cured layer by layer, but the curing may not fully achieve the maximum material strength. Post-curing helps further polymerize the resin, enhancing its mechanical properties, durability, and overall strength. Without this step, the printed object may remain brittle or weak, limiting its practical use and longevity.

Other options, such as cooling the model before printing, painting the model, or skipping additional steps after printing, do not address the critical nature of resin polymerization in enhancing the structural integrity of the SLA printed object. Therefore, post-curing is essential for achieving the desired performance and durability of SLA printed parts.