SLA
Stereolithography
What is SLA?
SLA (Stereolithography) is a 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed and precise parts. Known for its smooth surface finishes and ability to produce intricate designs, SLA is widely regarded as one of the most accurate additive manufacturing methods. It offers excellent resolution, making it ideal for projects requiring fine details and aesthetics.
SLA
Stereolithography
What is SLA?
SLA (Stereolithography) is a 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed and precise parts. Known for its smooth surface finishes and ability to produce intricate designs, SLA is widely regarded as one of the most accurate additive manufacturing methods. It offers excellent resolution, making it ideal for projects requiring fine details and aesthetics.
Materials available for SLA
Material | Color | Technology | Features | Applications | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Somos 9120 | White | SLA | Suitable for applications requiring repeated flexing or mechanical stress | Snap-fit functional testing, electrical casing, automotive parts | Download |
Somos Evolve 128 | White | SLA | High toughness and impact resistance | Snap-fit assemblies and functional prototypes | Download |
Somos Imagine 8000 | White | SLA | Transparent, excellent surface finish and dimensional stability | Parts requiring high clarity and accuracy, transparent prototypes | Download |
Somos ProtoTherm | Red | SLA | Excellent thermal resistance (Heat Deflection Temperature ~200°C) | High-temperature applications, mold inserts and tooling | Download |
Somos Taurus | Black | SLA | Mimics production-grade thermoplastics (similar to ABS and PBT) | Functional prototypes requiring durability, tooling and manufacturing aids | Download |
WaterClear Ultra 10122 | Colorless | SLA | Extremely high optical clarity, similar to PMMA (Acrylic) | Medical and automotive applications requiring clarity, optical components, lenses, and light guides | Download |
WaterShed XC 11122 | near Colorless | SLA | Clear material with properties similar to ABS | Transparent product prototyping | Download |
Advantages and drawbacks of SLA
Advantages
High precision and accuracy, ideal for detailed and intricate designs.
Smooth surface finishes, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
Ability to produce complex geometries with fine features.
Wide range of resin materials available, including rigid, flexible, and high-temperature options.
Excellent resolution, making it suitable for applications requiring aesthetic or functional prototypes.
Drawbacks
Often requires the use of support structures, which can be time-consuming to remove and may leave marks on the printed part.
Photopolymer resins can be relatively expensive compared to some other 3D printing materials.
May require post-processing steps such as washing, curing, and finishing to achieve the desired surface quality.
Materials available for SLA
Advantages
High precision and accuracy, ideal for detailed and intricate designs.
Smooth surface finishes, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
Ability to produce complex geometries with fine features.
Wide range of resin materials available, including rigid, flexible, and high-temperature options.
Excellent resolution, making it suitable for applications requiring aesthetic or functional prototypes.
Drawbacks
Often requires the use of support structures, which can be time-consuming to remove and may leave marks on the printed part.
Photopolymer resins can be relatively expensive compared to some other 3D printing materials.
May require post-processing steps such as washing, curing, and finishing to achieve the desired surface quality.
Advantages and drawbacks of SLA
