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Figure 2 Stereolithograph: The stereolithographic equipment (right) consists of a computer workstation (A, controller), a laser with an optical system (B) and a processing chamber (C). The processing chamber (left) is filled with a liquid monomer. A laser beam (D) selectively polymerizes ultraviolet sensitive liquid resin (E) on a platform suspended in a vat of the liquid. The laser is steered to corresponding positions on the surface of the liquid polymer according to the echocardiographic image (x, y axis). Successive layers (z axis) are added by lowering the platform on which the model is built to expose a new surface. Each layer fuses to the one below, allowing the creation of complex 3D structures (F).
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