A three dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three dimensional article includes a build platform, a light engine, and a controller. The build platform is coupled to a vertical positioning apparatus. The light engine is configured to generate and scan a columnar array of light spots across a build plane. The columnar array of light spots are arranged along a second axis. The light spots are scanned along a first axis. The build plane is laterally defined by mutually perpendicular X and Y axes. In the build plane, the first axis is parallel to the X-axis.