Stereolithography (SLA) is the gold standard for high-resolution 3D printing, prized for its ability to produce parts with exceptional detail and an incredibly smooth surface finish. This process, one of the first commercialized forms of 3D printing, works by using an ultraviolet (UV) laser to precisely cure and solidify liquid photopolymer resin, building the object one thin layer at a time. It is ideal for intricate geometries and fine details.
Our suite of large format SLA printers are equipped to handle engineering resins, as well as resins for more cosmetic oriented applications. We handle all post-processing of the resin — from slicing, to washing, to curing. Glass-filled resin prints are what we utilize in our resin cavity injection molding.
Ideal for intricate geometries, fine features, and parts that require tight dimensional tolerances (often ± 0.05 mm), making it perfect for prototyping and creating master patterns. The UV spot size usually resides between 0.05mm and 0.15mm. This process is best suited for instances where prototyping calls for fit-and-finish analysis.
SLA builds parts in very thin layers, often as little as 25 microns or 0.025 mm. This reduction in layer thickness minimizes the 'stair-stepping' effect common in other 3D printing technologies, contributing to a significantly smoother surface. This makes SLA ideal for show models, consumer product prototypes, and artistic designs where visual quality and texture are paramount.
As each new layer is exposed to the UV light, the partially cure resin chemically bonds to the previous layer, creating chemically bonded layers. After final post-curing, a parts mechanical strength and stiffness are virtually the same measured along the X-Y, and Z planes. SLA results in fully dense walls and non-porous surfaces.
Depending on the application, there are tons of choices for resins — some more exotic than others. Some resins mimic the toughness properties of ABS or Polypropylene (PP), while others are more specialized for creating investment casts, or even biomedical parts. Some resins can even be clear/transparent.
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