Parts On Demand
Stereolithography (SLA) is the original 3D printing process still widely used today for its accuracy and speed. SLA is often used for prototypes, large concept models, form and fit models, investment casting patterns and master patterns.
Stereolithography builds parts with a precise UV laser to cure and solidify thin layers of a photo-reactive resin.
Post-build, SLA parts require some support material removal and UV curing, as well as hand finishing or other requested post-processing.
The design freedom and speed of Stereolithography makes design changes, iteration and validation easier than ever allowing you to get to market faster.
Stereolithography can create high dimensional accuracy parts with intricate designs and smooth surfaces. It also allows us to print watertight components in clear materials making it easy to test fluid flow found in product designs.
At Stratasys Direct we can build extremely light, large-scale parts in record time with our exclusive hollow build method. Sparse fill is ideal for nonstructural appearance models. These parts build faster, weighs less and costs less than solid SLA models. They also have a better as-built surface than 10-20 pound foam. Contact an engineer now to learn more.
Our wide range of Stereolithography photopolymers serve our customer’s requirements, from clear to strong, rigid plastics to special formulas for investment casting patterns.
Our finishing expertise take your 3D printed prototype and transforms it into a replica of your finished product. Any surface look is achievable with our expert finishers.
Custom finishing, texture, color, artwork, EMI/RFI shielding, plating and other functional coatings can bring additional value to prototyping and models.
Highly accurate and good for most quick delivery prototyping applications
Learn moreA clear and colorless material suited for lenses and see-through covers
Learn moreProduces highly detailed parts with great clarity and water-resistance
Learn moreEvaluate your design with a physical model and get to market faster with SLA.
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Build light-weight, cosmetic versions of your product with our hollow build method.
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Our proprietary photopolymer and build style produces consistent patterns with better burnout.
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Stereolithography is ideal for parts with small features that require tighter dimensional tolerances and smooth finishes. SLA is ideal for small to large prototypes.
Stereolithography is available in a variety of resolutions. At its finest resolution, the layer thickness is 0.002” and the X/Y resolution is 0.005”.
We recommend a minimum wall thickness of 1.5mm or 0.06” as smaller walls may not hold up when it comes to support removal or media blasting.
Stereolithography is not generally considered suitable for production applications because the photo-reactive resins used in the process do not remain stable under long exposure to UV light.
However, SLA is often used to make precise investment casting patterns to create end-use metal parts.
