Stereolithography (SLA)
What is Stereolithography Apparatus?
Stereolithography Apparatus is a form of 3D printing which involves a UV-sensitive resin that cures into 3D objects when a UV laser scans over it, drawing a pattern layer-by-layer. It is one of the older forms of 3D printing that has only recently gained traction in the consumer market primarily due to more cost-effective scanning lasers and the popular Formlabs printers.
Why would I use this process to create a 3D part?
In general, SLA printing offers high-fidelity parts for cheaper than more commercial processes like PolyJet printing. SLA offers a decent option for purely aesthetic parts and even functional parts that require precision or isotropy (as opposed to anisotropy found in processes like FFF).
Benefits of SLA over other processes:
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High-fidelity (~ .01mm accuracy in X and Y directions for most cases)
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Smooth surfaces (up to .025mm layer height)
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Lower cost than industrial processes like PolyJet
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Relatively quick (we offer 3 day turnaround time under normal circumstances)
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Large variety of material selection (see what we offer at ter.ps/papercut)
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Isotropic material properties once cured
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Each layer, regardless of material cured takes nearly the same time
Drawbacks of SLA over other processes:
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Higher cost than desktop FFF/FDM
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Additional cure time required for many resins
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‘Messier’ than FFF/FDM due to toxic resin and IPA cleaning solution
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Part must be ‘solid’ (can be hollowed out, but there are additional considerations for that)
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No commercial options for multi-material in a single print
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Must use tree-supports which can leave ‘nubs’ (must be removed in post-processing)
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Usually smaller build volume than most other processes