SLA/DLP

Stereolithography (SLA) is widely recognized as the first 3D printing process.  It is an industrial 3D printing process used to create complex models, concepts, and prototypes with excellent surface finish and accuracy. It is used for applications like jewelry, dentistry, casting, and molds, as it supports high feature resolutions, and detailing.

SLA is a laser-based process that works with photopolymer resins that react with the laser and cure to form a solid in a very precise way. A laser beam is directed in the X-Y axes across the surface of the resin according to the 3D data supplied to the machine (the .stl file), whereby the resin hardens precisely where the laser hits the surface. Once the layer is completed, the platform drops down by a fraction (in the Z-axis) and the consecutive layer is traced out by the laser. This continues until the entire object is completed and the platform can be raised out for removal of finished part(s). Because of the nature of the SLA process, it requires support structures for some parts, specifically those with overhangs or undercuts. These structures need to be manually removed. In terms of other post-processing steps, many objects 3D printed using SLA need to be cleaned and cured. Curing involves subjecting the part to intense light in an oven-like machine to fully harden the resin.

• Master copies for vacuum casting and other low volume prototyping techniques
• Patterns for investment casting
• Functional testing prototypes
• Low volume/ limited edition products especially for complex geometries
• Visual prototypes for photoshoots and market testing
• Dental/jewelry/ art and other sectors which require high detailing and finish