SLA 3D Printing Services
Get accurate, high-resolution prototypes and parts where cosmetics and expertise matter.
Is SLA 3D Printing Right For Your Part?
How SLA 3D Printing Works
Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to selectively cure
photopolymer resin, creating very fine layers for exceptional
surface finish and detail.
It’s great for medium or large parts that require a “show model”
look (such as cosmetic prototypes), concept models, and parts
with complex geometries. This process is appealing for its highquality surface finishes, clear parts, and affordability.
What is SLA Ideal For?
- Highly cosmetic prototypes and “show model” parts
- Master patterns for cast urethane
- Clear components (such as lenses and light pipes) and visual
prototoypes - Complex, delicate geometries with crisp features
Common SLA Applications
Master Pattern for Cast Urethane
Highly Cosmetic Show Models
Form, Fit, & Function Prototypes
& Models
Snap-Fit Parts
Hinges, Bearings, & Connectors
Seals, Gaskets, & Cushioning
Clear Parts or Light Pipes
High-Temp Parts, Molds, & Manifolds
Dental & Medical Guides
At a Glance: When to Choose
SLA vs. Other Processes
At A3D Manufacturing, we champion what works – not just what’s on the shelf. When a better 3D printing process, traditional, or hybrid approach fits your goals, we’ll help you make the switch effortlessly from prototype to production.
Comparison
SLA 3D Printing vs. SLS or MJF 3D Printing
(Powder Bed Fusion)
SLA 3D Printing vs. FDM 3D Printing (Material
Extrustion)
SLA 3D Printing vs. PolyJet (Material Jetting)
SLA 3D Printing vs. CNC Machining
Reason
Choose SLA when you need the smoothest surface, high resolution on small features, or clear/polished parts
Choose SLA when you need show-quality cosmetics, tight feature details, or small intricate parts.
Choose SLA when you want stronger single-material parts with excellent surface finish, cost-effective larger builds, and clear parts that can be polished to high clarity.
Choose SLA when you need rapid iteration on complex geometries, internal channels, and visual/clear prototypes with no tooling cost.
Our Capabilities & Technical Specifications
Lead Times
- Standard: 3-5 business days
- Expedited: as soon as next day
Standard Accuracy
- ±0.008 in/in or ±0.002 in/in, whichever is greater
Layer Thickness
- 50 μm – 250 μm
Maximum Build Volume
- 450 × 450 × 400 mm (17.7 x 17.7 x 15.6 in)
Minimum Wall Thickness
- 1 mm (0.040 in)
Min. Clearance Assemblies
- 0.5 mm (0.020 in)
Minimum Feature Size
- 0.5 mm (0.020 in)
Minimum Hole Diameter
- 0.5 mm (0.020 in)
DFM Review
From clear concept models to form, fit, and function prototypes, our engineers help you pick the right resin, dial in supports, and finish parts to spec.
We review geometry, wall thickness, feature size, and orientation to meet functional and cosmetic requirements. Critical features and special inspections are available on request.
Materials We Offer
Standard Materials
Formlabs Draft
Clear/Optical Materials
Accura® ClearVue
Formlabs Clear
High-Performance Materials
Formlabs Flame Retardant
Formlabs High-Temp
Formlabs Surgical Guide
Niche Materials
Castable
Formlabs Greyscale
Rigid Materials
Formlabs Rigid 10k
Formlabs Rigid 4k
Tough or ABS-Like Materials
Accura® ABS Black
Somos® EvoLVe
Formlabs Durable
PU Rigid 650
Formlabs Tough 2000
Formlabs Standard
Flexible Materials
Formlabs Elastic 50A
Formlabs Flexible 80A
Finishing Options
Clear part finishing & polishing
Sanding
Bead Blasing
Painting (color)
Painting(texture)
Quality & Compliance
AS9100 • ISO 9001:2015 • ITAR Registered
We apply rigorous certification standards to every project, ensuring you receive the highest quality products on time, everytime. You can expect your parts to route through A3D headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, for final QA – no blind dropshipping – so you get predictable outcomes with documentation when needed.
Why this matters to you
- Engineers: tighter control, fewer surprises, faster validation
- Startups: scalable production without new vendor risk
- Supply Chain: traceability, documentation, and consistent delivery from a single accountable partner
Common MJF 3D Printing FAQs
No. While they are cosmetic, SLA resin parts are inherently brittle and susceptible to UV degradation and
thermal warp. These parts are best for cosmetic use cases and form, fit, and function prototypes, far from
physical danger or hot cars.
For end-use or outdoor environments, we’ll recommend SLS 3D printing, MJF 3D printing, CNC machining, or
a hybrid approach.
Our standard accuracy is ±0.008 in/in or ±0.002 in/in, whichever is greater, and our feature
recommendations are:
- 0.5 mm (0.020 in) for holes or features
- 1 mm (0.040 in) wall thickness
- 0.5 mm (0.020 in) clearance for assemblies
Our standard lead time is 3-5 days, and expedited options are as soon as the next day.
We have a wide range of materials to choose from. Our most popular resins include Formlabs Clear, Flexible
80A, and Durable. Finishing options include clear part finishing or polishing, painting, sanding, and bead
blasting.
Absolutely! We’re application-first and process-agnostic. Share your requirements, and we’ll recommend an
additive process, CNC machining, or a hybrid path to hit your goals.
SLA 3D printing is widely used across various industries, including dental, healthcare, and automotive. Because
it can produce high-resolution, detailed parts, SLA is an excellent choice for applications requiring precision,
such as prototyping, custom medical devices, jewelry production, and specialized components for aerospace
and automotive industries.