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

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 for receiving a removable vat for holding resin 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 extreme position proximal to said fixed or removable vat and a second extreme position distant from said fixed or removable vat,
• a working region between said fixed or removable vat and said second extreme 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 is consequently in an operating position, and
• a controller coupled to said optical imaging detector for receiving optical image data from said optical imaging detector,
• wherein said controller is configured to use said optical image data in controlling operation of the stereolithography apparatus.