What technology involves hardening photosensitive resin using a laser?

Stereolithography is indeed the correct technology associated with hardening photosensitive resin using a laser. This additive manufacturing process employs ultraviolet (UV) light to selectively cure and solidify layers of liquid resin into a solid structure. The laser scans across the resin surface, tracing the shape of the desired object, and upon exposure, the resin becomes a solid polymer.

The unique aspect of stereolithography is its precision and ability to create highly detailed objects with complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods. The ability to layer the resin means that parts can be created with intricate internal structures and features that enhance both their functionality and aesthetics.

In contrast, other technologies mentioned, such as fused deposition modeling, utilize methods like extruding thermoplastic filament, which does not involve photosensitive resin or lasers. Laminated object manufacturing consists of bonding layers of material together rather than curing a liquid resin. Solid modeling refers to a form of 3D modeling used to create objects in a virtual space but does not describe a physical manufacturing process involving resin and lasers.