Stereolithography apparatus with optical imaging detector, and method of operating the same

A stereolithography apparatus, comprising:

• a base part,
• a lid coupled to the base part movably between a closed position and an open position, said lid having an inside,
• a fixed vat or a holder configured to receive a removable vat configured to hold resin configured for use in a stereolithographic 3D printing process,
• a build platform,
• a moving mechanism, configured to move said build platform in a working movement range between a first position proximal to said fixed or removable vat and a second position distant from said fixed or removable vat,
• a working region between said fixed or removable vat position of said build platform and said second position of said build platform,
• an optical imaging detector having a field of view, installed on the inside of the lid and directed so that at least a part of said working region is within said field of view when said lid is in said closed position and said optical imaging detector consequently in an operating position, and
• a controller coupled to said optical imaging detector and configured to receive optical image data from said optical imaging detector, wherein said controller is configured to use said optical image data in a controlling operation of the stereolithography apparatus.