SLA - Stereolithography
Stereolithography was the first commercially exploited AM method on the market. At Prototal we have been working with SLA technology for over 30 years, so our experience with the technology is extensive. We were actually the first company in Europe (and the 3rd world-wide) to install a SLA 250.
Do you need a part with high details and an excellent surface? Let us help you to produce SLA parts that you can be proud of.
For parts with excellent surface finish and high level of detail.
What is SLA – Stereolithography?
The SLA technology is known for creating details with great surface finish and high level of detail.
Stereolithography stands out as one of the most accurate methods of additive manufacturing; the dimensional deviation is seldom more than 0.1 mm. This makes it the logical choice when the model is intended for use as the master pattern for a subsequent process, such as vacuum casting.
While SLA models may be somewhat more delicate compared to other additive manufacturing technologies, they offer significantly superior definition and surface finish.
You can tailor your part by selecting from a variety of materials, allowing you to achieve the desired transparency, flexibility, or rigidity.
Flexible Solution with Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is constantly changing and during the last couple of years there’s been a lot of development within the field. Advancements in 3D printing continue to change the way businesses approach production and prototyping. As AM becomes more available, accessible and affordable, more companies see the technology as the best solution.
Across various industries and segments, 3D printing is helping companies to outsourcing costs, optimize production processes and enables fast deliveries.
Is it time for you to try 3D printing? Is SLA the best solution for you? Get in touch and we'll find out!
FAQs
- Stereolithography is one of the most accurate methods of additive manufacturing; the dimensional deviation is seldom more than 0.1 mm
- Excellent surface finish
- Competitively priced
- Perfect for functional prototyping, patterns, mold and tooling
The SLA machine has a tank which is filled with a liquid epoxy resin. A build platform descends layer-by-layer into the tank. A UV laser cures the material layer-by-layer, based on the information in the layered CAD file. Once the process is complete, the parts are removed from the build platform, washed and cured further in a UV oven. Finally, the agreed post-processing is carried out, e.g. polishing, blasting and lacquering.
Stereolithography, or SLA, is best used for functional prototyping, patterns, molds and tooling. It’s used mainly where surface finish, a high level of detail and dimensional accuracy are the most important properties for you.
It’s the most accurate method of additive manufacturing and well suited for parts with lots of details with high quality.
- ClearVue
- Xtreme Grey
- XC11122
- Si25
- Transparent models achieve the best results with clear lacquer on class A models. Applying clear lacquer to class B models makes construction stages and defects evident.
- Material shrinkage is small, but be aware of "warping" on large horizontal surfaces.
- Discuss desired dimensions and surfaces for clarity.
- Use drain holes to remove uncured material in enclosed volumes; long narrow channels can be hard to clean.
- Threads can be made but won't be stronger than the plastic. Avoid using threads smaller than M10 directly in the plastic. For added strength, especially with smaller threads, consider HeliCoil inserts, available in sizes down to M3. Avoid external threads smaller than M10 directly in the plastic.
- Typically, models have a 0.10 mm layer thickness. Minimum wall thickness is 0.40 mm in Z, and 0.10 mm for vertical surfaces.
- For surfaces with an angles of less than 20° to the X/Y plane, distortion due to the layer effect (stepping) can be marked. The steeper the angle, the better the surfaces.
- For press fitting, a gap of 0.05 mm in the 3D model is suggested. Vaseline is useful as a lubricant to obtain better slip; silicon oils can sometimes have the opposite effect.
