Additive manufacturing apparatus, system, and method

A deposition mechanism configured for producing a three-dimensional object within a build area using a flowable material in a layer-by-layer technique, the deposition mechanism comprising:

• a carriage configured for movement relative to the build area;
• an applicator configured for applying the flowable material at an application site within the build area to produce the three-dimensional object;
• an exposure device configured for emitting electromagnetic waves, the exposure device having an array of outlets configured for emitting electromagnetic waves toward an exposure site within the build area to solidify applied flowable material applied by the applicator to produce the three-dimensional object;
• and
• a lens array positioned between the outlets of the exposure device and the exposure site and configured to focus the electromagnetic waves exiting the outlets toward the exposure site, wherein the lens array comprises a plurality of ball lenses, each ball lens configured to reduce an image formed by the electromagnetic waves passing through the respective ball lens.