Manufacturing Excellence

SLA 3D Printing Services

The preferred method of prototyping for medium or large sized prototypes and models where cosmetics are a priority

High-Resolution 3D Printing

The perfect fit for accurate, high-resolution finished parts

Stereolithography 3D printing is ideal for medium or large parts that require a “show model” look, or in instances with an emphasis on aesthetics.

This process is appealing not only because of the quality surface finish and clear parts, but also as a cost-effective option for accurate parts.

It is worth mentioning, however, that the material may degrade with UV or humidity exposure, and the parts tend to be fragile or have structural instability.

How SLA 3D Printing Works

Stereolithography (SLA) is an epoxy-based photopolymer system that utilizes lasers to cure the resin on the cross-sectional area of the part. It begins with a recoating bar that applies a thin layer of resin, then an ultraviolet laser creates an image of the part on that resin. After one layer, this process is repeated until the build is complete.

Once the build is complete, the parts are removed and put into a solvent to remove excess resin. The SLA process uses supports of the same material as the part itself, which have to be manually removed. From there, the parts go through a curing cycle in a UV curing machine.

Explore Popular Uses for SLA 3D Printing

Master pattern for cast urethane
Highly cosmetic show models
Prototype, form, or fit models
Clear parts or light pipes

Technical Specifications

	SLA 3D Printing
Lead Times	Standard: 3 – 5 days \| Expedited: as soon as next day
Standard Accuracy	+/- .008″ or +/- .002 in/in, whichever is greater.
Standard Build Layer Thickness	0.05-0.25mm.
Maximum Build Volume	450 x 450 x 400 mm.
Finish	Clear part finishing, painting, sanded and bead blasted.
Available Materials	Accura ClearVue, Accura ABS Black, Somos EvoLVe
Minimum wall thickness	.030".
Minimum clearance for assemblies	0.020”.
Minimum feature size	0.020″
Minimum hole diameter	0.020″

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SLA parts for end-use applications?

No. While they are cosmetic, SLA parts are inherently brittle and susceptible to UV degradation and thermal warp. These parts are best for cosmetic use cases, far from physical danger or hot cars.

What are the advantages of SLA 3D printing over other 3D printing methods?

High Detail Resolution: SLA printers can achieve very fine details and intricate geometries, making them ideal for producing complex and precise parts.
Smooth Surface Finish: The curing process in SLA results in smooth surface finishes, reducing the need for post-processing compared to other methods like FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).
Wide Material Selection: SLA supports a variety of materials, including standard resins, engineering-grade resins, and even flexible or tough resins, offering versatility in material properties for different applications.
Support Structure Minimization: SLA printers use support structures to hold up overhanging features during printing, but these supports are typically easier to remove and leave cleaner surfaces compared to supports used in other methods.
Accuracy and Precision: Due to the precise nature of the laser curing process, SLA printing offers high accuracy and dimensional stability, making it suitable for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts.

What industries commonly use SLA 3D printing?

SLA 3D printing is widely utilized across various industries, including engineering, product design, jewelry manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive. Its ability to produce high-resolution, detailed parts makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring precision, such as prototyping, custom medical devices, jewelry production, and specialized components for aerospace and automotive industries.