What is SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) is the most widely used additive manufacturing technology. It uses a photosensitive polymer resin (photopolymer) in liquid form as input material, which is cured layer by layer using a UV laser beam. The parts produced by the SLA method are isotropic, waterproof, smooth and very accurate.
Suitable uses
SLA technology is perfect for fast piece production and extremely fast prototyping. The high level of detail and surface quality allow SLA to be used to create prototype design parts. The advantage is the ability to produce from transparent material, which is suitable for automotive parts with optical surfaces or transparent headlight housings.
Are you looking for transparent parts, fusible models with high temperature resistance and perfect details? Choose SLA.
Main advantages
- transparent properties of parts
- whole parts in the size of 800 x 800 x 600 mm
- sharp and fine details
What does the use of SLA technology look like in jewelry making? You can see in our case study where we made 3 life-size artifacts with the help of SLA.
Technical specifications
| Standard delivery time | minimum of 7 working days (depends on material selection, size and number of parts and surface finish) |
| Standard accuracy | according to ISO 2768-c |
| Layer thickness | 0.1 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.5 mm (depends on material, lower thicknesses can be produced after consultation) |
| Manufacturing chamber size | 800 x 800 x 600 mm |
| Surface characteristics | The part has a very smooth, satin finish with minimal layer visibility. The surface can be additionally treated by abrasive blasting, dip dyeing, spray painting, and plating. |
How does SLA work?
SLA uses a UV laser to produce parts. Guided by a computer 3D model, it cures the photopolymer in individual layers. The part is additionally cured in a UV furnace after production to achieve the desired properties.
Sweeping
First, the platform is immersed by one layer thickness. The sweeper bar covers the platform with photopolymer while removing bubbles on the surface.
Curing of photopolymer
The UV laser gradually illuminates the entire cross-section of the part in the given layer on the surface, causing a chemical reaction and hardening of the given surface in the resin.
Lowering of the platform
Subsequently, the platform lowers by the thickness of one layer and the whole process is repeated until all parts are produced.
Final curing
After production, the parts are in a raw state. To achieve the desired properties, the parts need to be cleaned at the end and secondarily cured.
