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SLA

Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that belongs to the Vat Photopolymerization family. In SLA, an object is created by selectively curing a polymer resin layer-by -layer using an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam. The materials used in SLA are photosensitive thermoset polymers that come in a liquid form.


Stereolithography was the world’s first 3D printing technology, invented in the 1980s, and is still one of the most popular technologies for professionals. SLA resin 3D printers use a laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization

Here is how the SLA fabrication process works: The liquid resin is solidified through a process called photopolymerization: during solidification, the monomer carbon chains that compose the liquid resin are activated by the light of the UV laser and become solid, creating strong unbreakable bonds between each other. The photopolymerization process is irreversible and there is no way to convert the SLA parts back to their liquid form: when heated, they will burn instead of melting. This is because the materials that are produced with SLA are made of thermoset polymers, as opposed to the thermoplastics that FDM uses.

REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum build size 600 x 600 x 450mm
Standard lead time 4 business days
Dimensional accuracy +/- 0.5mm
Layer height 25-100 μm
Supports Required

Our ( SLA )
Stereolithography
3D Printing

mjf-printed-image-1@1x

Benefits of Stereolithography 3D printing

  • chevron-right-24SLA parts have a very smooth surface finish
  • chevron-right-24Parts with very high dimensional accuracy
  • chevron-right-24Parts with intricate details
  • chevron-right-24Best for Functional prototyping, patterns
  • chevron-right-24High versatile material selection

Design Guidelines For ( SLA ) Stereolithography

Feature RECOMMENDED SIZE
Unsuggested minimum wall thickness 1.0mm
Supported wall thickness 0.5mm
Minimum feature size 0.2mm
Minimum hole diameter 0.5 μm
Minimum escape hole diameter 0.4mm

Fused Deposition Modeling Key Design Considerations

Supported walls - Walls that are connected to other structures on at least two sides,

Unsupported walls - Walls that are connected to the rest of the print on less than two sides, and are at a very high chance for warping or detaching from the print. These walls must be at least 1 mm thick recommended

Overhangs must be kept less than 1.0 mm in length and at least 19° from level.

Embossed details (including text) - Any features on the model that are raised slightly above the surfaces around them. These must be at least 0.1 mm in height

Engraved details (including text) - these details must be at least 0.4 mm wide and at least 0.4 mm thick (distance from surface of the model to recessed detail).

Connections-0.5mm clearance between moving parts., 0.2mm clearance for assembly connections. 0.1mm clearance will give a push or snug fit.


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Achieve
complex geometries
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Flexible
Strong and
durable components
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High accuracy
and fine details
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OTHER 3D PRINTING SERVICES
FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is a quick and cost-effective way of producing parts out of thermoplastics. FDM is the most widely used 3D printing technology. It is suitable for the production of functional parts, Concept prototypes, form and fitment prototypes, Batch production.
SLA

SLA is best suited for applications where high detail or high accuracy is required. Create high fidelity prototypes/ functional parts for medical, dental, Automotive, jewelry, casting, etc. Tough Resin(ABS-like), Flexible Resin(Elastomers), High-Temperature Resin, are some of the most used materials for SLA 3d printing.



SLS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses synthetic thermoplastic polymers, such as nylons. SLS is suitable for affordable batch production, complex geometries, or for producing strong parts. Parts produced using SLS are porous, and have decent mechanical strength. PA2200 is the most widely used material for this process.
DMLS

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are both used in the production of metal parts with excellent physical and mechanical properties. Suitable for Complex geometries of metal, creating Lightweight metal parts. A variety of superalloys/metals can be 3d printed using this process.
Polyjet

One of the fastest 3D printing technology, Polyjet is suited for realistic prototypes, and if high accuracy, smooth surface finish are important requisites. Polyjet can print in multiple materials and colors. Polyjet is mostly used for concept prototypes, not suitable for engineering applications or functional parts.
MJF

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is one of the fastest processes producing quality plastic parts with detailed features. The parts printed in MJF exhibit consistent mechanical properties, low porosity and are usually light grey in color. It's suitable for small batch production as an alternative to injection molding.