VMT is committed to providing customers with accurate and efficient SLA 3D printing services to support their product development process. At the same time, we provide a variety of thermosetting resin materials for customers to choose from to meet different printing needs.
Simply upload your design files to get a quick quote, with some orders delivered as soon as the next day.
Stereolithography, commonly abbreviated as SLA, is a 3D printing method that utilizes laser light to solidify liquid resin in a specific pattern, layer by layer, to fabricate a three-dimensional object. This technique represents a form of additive manufacturing technology that employs a high-power laser to precisely cure or solidify liquid photopolymer resin.
SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus), also known as stereolithography 3D printing technology, has many advantages and is the first choice in various fields. By studying the advantages of SLA, people can understand why it stands out among other 3D printing methods. Here are a few reasons to use SLA:
SLA (stereolithography) 3D printing technology can achieve micron-level printing accuracy, which is suitable for making parts with complex geometric shapes and fine structures. This high precision makes SLA widely used in jewelry, medical models and other fields.
SLA technology is suitable for many types of photosensitive resins, which have different properties, such as transparency, elasticity, high temperature resistance, etc. This diverse material selection enables SLA to meet the needs of different industries, such as medical, automotive and aerospace.
SLA technology is widely used in many fields such as medical, automotive, aerospace, consumer product design and education. It can be used to make surgical simulation models, dental implants, complex parts and prototypes, etc., support design verification and functional testing, and improve the efficiency and flexibility of product development.
| Material Name | Color | Description | Flexural Strength (MPa/KSI) | Elongation at Break (%) | HDT@0.46 MPa (°C) | Advantages |
| ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) | White | Tough and durable material mimicking ABS, ideal for functional prototypes. | 65–75 | 15–25 | 58–65 | Durable, precise, high impact resistance. |
| ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) | Gray | High-strength ABS-like material with smooth surface finishing. | 65–75 | 15–25 | 58–65 | Dimensional stability, excellent surface finish. |
| ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) | Black | Strong ABS-like material suitable for functional testing and prototypes requiring durability. | 65–75 | 10–20 | 60–70 | Excellent mechanical properties, sleek appearance. |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) | Transparent | Clear, water-resistant material for transparent parts and fluid flow analysis. | 50–65 | 10–20 | 40–50 | High clarity, water-resistant, versatile use. |
| MicroFine™ (Gray and Green) | Gray, Green | Ultra-fine resolution material for small, detailed prototypes or miniature parts. | 45–55 | 3–6 | 50–55 | High detail, sharp features, precision. |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | Translucent White | Polypropylene-like material with excellent durability and flexibility for functional parts. | 35–50 | 50–70 | 40–50 | Durable, flexible, excellent for snap-fit designs. |
| PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530) | White | High-temperature resistant material mimicking polycarbonate properties, ideal for demanding testing. | 100–120 | 5–10 | 180–200 | Heat-resistant, strong, durable. |
| PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) | Transparent | Polycarbonate-like transparent material suitable for clear, functional parts. | 65–85 | 5–10 | 60–70 | Clear, tough, heat-resistant. |
| Ceramic-Like Advanced High Temp (PerFORM) | Off-white | High stiffness and heat-resistant material with ceramic-like properties for demanding applications. | 130–140 | 1–3 | 260–280 | Excellent thermal and mechanical performance. |
| True Silicone | Transparent | Highly flexible, soft-touch material for prototypes requiring silicone-like properties. | 2–5 | 150–250 | 20–30 | Elastic, soft, high elongation. |
SLA technology boasts several key advantages that make it a standout choice for 3D printing.
SLA technology stands out for its ability to produce objects with very fine details and smooth surfaces. The layer heights it can achieve are as thin as 25 microns, which enables exceptional detail and accuracy in the construction of 3D objects. This high resolution and precision make SLA an ideal choice for applications that require intricate details and smooth finishes, such as jewelry, prototypes, and medical models. The ability to print such precise and detailed objects is a key advantage of SLA technology over other 3D printing methods.
Another significant advantage of SLA technology is its material versatility. A wide variety of photopolymer resins are available, each offering different properties such as strength, flexibility, and transparency. This diverse range of materials allows SLA to cater to various applications, from transparent parts to flexible components.
Unlike some other 3D printing methods, which may require extensive post-processing to achieve a smooth finish, SLA prints are ready to use as soon as they are removed from the printer. This smooth surface finish is particularly important for applications where aesthetics are a key consideration, such as consumer products and design prototypes.
SLA technology excels at creating intricate, detailed designs that may not be feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. The ability to handle complex geometries and produce detailed objects makes SLA an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from product design and prototyping to medical modeling and custom manufacturing. With SLA, designers can bring their creative visions to life, creating objects that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing techniques.
There are a variety of surface finish options available for parts printed with SLA (Stereolithography) technology, which can significantly affect the appearance, durability and functionality of the part. The following are some common surface finish options available for SLA printed parts from VMT:
1. Raw Surface
After SLA printed parts are printed, they usually retain an appearance called “raw surface”. This surface may contain remnants of support structures formed during the printing process, as well as microscopic layer patterns caused by the stacking of layers of material.
2. Grinding and Polishing
Grinding and polishing are common surface treatment options for SLA printed parts. Grinding can significantly improve the look and feel of a part by physically removing surface irregularities and material through friction. Polishing further refines the surface to make it smoother and brighter, suitable for occasions where a fine appearance is required.
3. Sandblasting
Sandblasting is a process that removes surface layers by spraying abrasive particles onto the surface of an SLA printed part through compressed air. This method can remove microscopic imperfections on the surface of the part and provide it with a uniform texture.
4. Chemical Treatments
Certain chemical treatments can be applied to the surface of an SLA printed part to change its properties or appearance. These treatments may include the use of solvents or acids to remove residues from the surface, improve gloss, or perform other chemical modifications.
5. Dyeing and painting
Dyeing and painting are common methods for changing the appearance of SLA printed parts. Dyeing can change the color of the part by soaking it in a dye solution. Painting includes a variety of methods such as spraying, dipping or brushing, which can provide an additional layer of protection for the part, change the color or achieve a specific visual effect.
6. Plating
Plating is a process of depositing a layer of metal or non-metallic material on the surface of an SLA printed part. This treatment can increase the durability of the part, improve its conductivity or provide other functional properties. Common plating materials include metals (such as copper, nickel, chrome, etc.) and plastics (such as polyurethane, etc.).
7. Transparency and Translucency
For SLA parts printed with transparent or translucent resins, specific treatments can be used to enhance their transparency or change their optical properties. These treatments may involve steps such as removing internal bubbles, precise control during the curing process, and polishing in post-processing.
8. Customization
VMT offers a variety of SLA finishing options beyond sanding, polishing, painting, and plating, tailored to fulfill your specific requirements.
At our facility, we utilize state-of-the-art SLA technology to craft high-quality, intricate parts from a diverse array of photopolymer resins, encompassing materials that mimic plastic, metal-like properties, and composites. Whether you require rapid prototyping or small-scale production, our SLA services ensure exceptional outcomes. Here’s why we stand as your premier choice:
SLA technology excels at producing parts with extremely high precision, making it ideal for applications that require tight tolerances and intricate details. Our SLA machines can achieve tolerances of +/- 0.004 inches per inch, ensuring your printed parts meet the highest standards of precision.
We have 6 senior engineers with more than 20 years of experience in aluminum alloy processing. They can optimize the product structure according to your drawings and samples, and accurately design 2D drawings to ensure the smooth completion of the project.
2 hours quotation, 4 hours manufacturing feasibility program service and advice.
Whether you need a prototype that reflects the properties of an engineered plastic, a rubber-like resin, or a clear resin, this allows you to select the material that best suits your application. Our ability to select the right material for your project can greatly enhance the functionality and beauty of your printed part.
We offer a variety of finishing options to further enhance the beauty of SLA printed parts, including sanding, polishing, and painting. These services can help you achieve the look and feel you want for prototypes and finished products.
VMT has passed ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, SGS On-site audit and 11 patents. Provide Thickness, Roughness, RoHS, and Material certification.
Stereolithography (SLA) is renowned for its precision and ability to produce complex parts with fine details. However, understanding the general tolerances of SLA can help ensure your designs are optimized for successful production. Below is a detailed table outlining the tolerances for both standard and high-resolution SLA printing.
| Description | Standard Resolution | High Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Max Part Size | 650 × 750 × 550 mm | 300 × 300 × 300 mm |
| Layer Thickness | 0.05–0.15 mm | 0.025–0.05 mm |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.6 mm | 0.3 mm |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.8–1.0 mm | 0.4–0.6 mm |
| Minimum Hole Size | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Tolerances | ±0.1 mm or ±0.1% | ±0.05 mm or ±0.05% |
| Minimum Linear Feature Size | 0.3 mm | 0.15 mm |
| Minimum Radial Feature Size | 0.5 mm | 0.3 mm |
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, also known as stereo lithography, is a rapid prototyping technology based on light-cured resin. Below are the key applications of SLA 3D printing:
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing plays a crucial role in industrial design and prototyping. This technology allows for the rapid production of high-precision models that can be used for testing, validation, and design iteration.
Surgeons can use these models to plan and practice complex surgeries, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, SLA 3D printing is being explored for the creation of functional and biocompatible organs for transplant.
From custom engagement rings to unique sculptures and art installations, SLA 3D printing enables artists and jewelers to bring their creative visions to life with unparalleled precision and detail.
Is SLA 3D Printing Expensive?
SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing is generally more expensive than FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). The higher cost comes from the specialized resins, the precision of the process, and the maintenance of SLA printers. However, its ability to produce high-resolution parts with fine details and smooth surfaces can justify the cost for industries requiring precision, such as dentistry or jewelry design.
What Is SLA Printing Good For?
SLA printing is excellent for creating highly detailed, accurate parts with smooth surface finishes. It is widely used in applications like prototyping, dental and medical devices, jewelry, and engineering. SLA excels in producing intricate designs and functional prototypes that require dimensional accuracy and superior aesthetics.
Is SLA Stronger Than FDM?
SLA is not inherently stronger than FDM, but it depends on the material and application. SLA produces parts with high detail and isotropic properties, making them suitable for precise applications. However, FDM parts made from materials like ABS or nylon can offer better mechanical strength and durability, especially for load-bearing uses. SLA is ideal for precision, while FDM suits structural demands.
Get Your Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Project Started Today with a Wide Range of Finishing Options and Quality Assurance. Upon receiving your 3D CAD file, our dedicated customer service engineer will thoroughly review your design for manufacturability, ensuring it meets your precise specifications and budget requirements. Contact us today for a free quote!
