SLA – 3D Printing
About SLA Stereolithography
Stereolithography or “SLA 3D Printing”, is the most widely used 3D Printing / rapid prototyping technology. It is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping / 3D printing process.
A computer controlled UV laserbeam scans across the surface of a vat of photosensitive resin instantly turning liquid to solid wherever it touches. Succesive layers or slices of cured resin are gradually built up into a solid version of the intended CAD model.
Applications of SLA
- Master patterns for polyurethane castings.
- Aesthetic & conceptual models.
- Parts requiring crisp detail and accuracy.
- Quickcast™ investment “wax” patterns.
- Design evaluation models.
- Clear Flow analysis models.
- Waterclear models including lenses and light-guides.
Inside an SLA machine during a build
A short 2 min video of a 15 hour build of a piece of art being built on a large format SLA machine at MNL.
Benefits of SLA 3D Printing
- SLA has a high resolution.
- Often sanded, painted, & tinted.
- Prototypes can be made in a matter of hours.
- Extremely durable material making it excellent for snap fits.
- MNL’s machines have a maximum build capacity 508 x 508 x 580mm.
- Ultra Hi-res mode utilises the lasers extremely small spot size of just 0.075mm.
- Offers the best surface finish for additional finishing.
Levels of Clarity in SLA 3D Printed Parts
Exploring the differing levels of clarity that can be achieved on the SLA machines at MNL.
Examples of Projects involving SLA 3D Printed Parts
Explore many different projects where SLA 3D printing has played a part. Various projects from components used straight from the machine, through to fully finished exhibition quality models.
