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 polymers that come in a liquid form.

Why Choose SLA for your 3D Printing Project?

SLA is an excellent choice for rapid prototyping and project designs that require the production of very accurate and finely detailed parts. It’s ideal for producing show-and-tell parts to enable validation of concept ideas and ergonomic testing.

High-resolution parts

Small intricate details can be produced in the 3D printing technique

Aesthetics & Ergonomics

Smooth surface finish is achieved and the part can be post processed by painting to look aesthetically appealing

Large Build Volume

Large parts can be printed quickly and in a single build. SLA machines have the largest build volumes amoung the others which also be used as Master Patterns

SLA capabilities

Requirement	Specification
Maximum build Volume (Single Build)	600 x 600 x 400 mm (Parts shall be split, Print separately and fused together to form much larger volumes)
Standard lead time	4-5 business days
Dimensional accuracy	± 0.2 mm
Layer height	50 -100 μm
Finish	Very smooth surface finish

Materials

ABS – Like

Excellent Surface Finish
Visual prototypes for photo shoots and market testing
Prototypes for limited functional testing
Low-volume production of complex geometries

ABS-Like Translucent/Clear

As build condition will be Translucent (50-60% transparency) Can be post processed to achieve 90-95% Transparency
Automotive Lighting components
Fluid flow visualization models
Prototypes for limited functional testing

Design guidelines for SLA

The table below summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in 3D printed parts.

Feature	Recommended size
Unsupported walls	0.8 mm
Supported walls	0.8 – 1.0 mm
Minimum feature size	1.0 mm
Minimum hole diameter	0.8 mm
Maximum wall thickness	Solid parts must be Shelled/hollowed with minimum wall thickness and at least two escape holes for resin removal with a min. diameter of 8 mm.