Stereolithography(SLA) 3D Printing Service
With large-format and high-resolution SLA equipment, we can build parts as fine as .002″ layer thickness on our high-resolution Viper equipment – virtually overnight from your CAD data. We also offer various resins to suit your rapid prototyping needs.
Stereolithography
Stereolithography ((SLA or SL; also known as stereolithography apparatus, optical fabrication, photo-solidification, or resin 3d printing) ) is the most common additive manufacturing process that uses a computer-controlled moving laser beam, pre-programmed using CAM/CAD software to create models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts in a layer and belongs to the vat photopolymerization family.
Our SLA 3D printing service
Benefit from our certified SLA 3D printing manufacturing partners to quickly print your high-detail prototypes. Upload your part, get a quote and be in production within 5 minutes.
SLA capabilities
| Requirement | Desktop SLA | Industrial SLA |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum build size | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7″ x 5.7″ x 6.8″) | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68″ x 19.68″ x 19.68″) |
| Standard lead time | 2 business days | 4 business days |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm (± 0.006″) | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.127 mm (±0.005″) |
| Layer height | 50-100 um | 50-100 um |
Our SLA manufacturing standards
We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report shipped with every order.
- Desktop SLA: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm (± 0.006″)
- Industrial SLA: A dimensional accuracy ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.127 mm (±0.005″)
- Parts are fully cured to material manufacturer specifications before shipping.
- Hollow sections must be drained of excess resin.
- All support material is removed, and support nibs must are sanded smooth.
High-Resolution, Accurate Parts without Tooling
Stereolithography (SLA) is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces extremely accurate and high-resolution parts capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or rapid prototyping. elimold offers over 15 uniquely engineered SLA materials that can enable products to be brought to the market.
Review more information about our materials here and check our Stereolithography 3D Printed Materials FAQ.
We'd love to hear about your projects and see how we can help.
The pros of SLA 3D printing
There are many reasons to consider stereolithography, including these:
- Detail: Stereolithography technology produces crisp, highly detailed results with a professional appearance due to the advanced performance of galvanometers
- Speed: Products go from drawing board to manufacture in a day rather than much longer using traditional prototyping and production methods
- Strength: The photopolymer resins bond chemically to produce stronger models, objects, and prototypes
- Water-resistance: The objects produced are waterproof and can be used to produce water-tight pieces
- Material options: A variety of resins can be used to manufacture to create objects with the physical properties of hardness, density, and flexibility that are desired for each project
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 | 1.0 mm (0.0393”) |
| Supported walls | 0.5 mm (0.0197”) |
| Minimum feature size | 0.2 mm (0.00787”) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 0.5 mm (0.0197”) |
| Minimum escape hole diameter | 4.0 mm (0.157”) |
Learn more about the process in our Knowledge Base article.
Why SLA 3d printing?
Smooth surface finish. Easy to paint or metal plate.
Ability to print complex and high-detailed parts.
No visible layer lines unlike FDM prints.
Large scale 3d printing is possible.
Material versatility. Different materials, different purposes.
High accuracy and precision.
Available Finishes for SLA Parts
Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper; then media blasted for a uniform matte finish.
Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320-grit sandpaper for improved surface quality. Sanding scratches will be visible on supported surfaces.
Supported areas may show small grid-like dots or surface blemishes due to support removal.
Available for Accura ClearVue. Only supported surfaces are sanded. Parts will still have visible layering. A high gloss clear coat is applied to enhance natural clarity.
Elimold provides additional SLA finishing options, including but not limited to sanding, polishing, painting, post thermal processing, and plating to meet your needs.
Post-processing for SLA
Standard (no additional post-processing)
- All support material is removed, and support nibs are sanded smooth.
- For clear resins, a polishing oil is applied.
- Formlabs materials are cured in a Form Cure using the following settings, which follow the official Formlabs “Recommended Cure” settings
Additional Finishing Options
Custom finishing is a mix of science, technology, and fine art that can transform a part to your specifications. Finishes include:
- Soft-touch paint
- Clear part finishing
- Paint finishes
- Masking
- Color matching
- Decals/graphic
- Texture