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Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Service
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Jump to Section→ Capabilities
→ SLA Materials
→ Compare SLA Material Properties
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→ Why SLA 3D Printing?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an industrial 3D printing process used to create concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex parts with intricate geometries in as fast as 1 day.
A wide selection of materials, extremely high feature resolutions, and quality surface finishes are possible with SLA.
SLA 3D printing is primarily used for:
- parts requiring high accuracy and features as small as 0.002 in.
- good surface quality for cosmetic prototypes
- form and fit testing
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3D Printing Surface Finish Guide
Get this quick reference guide to explore your surface finish options across our six 3D printing technologies.
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SLA Design Guidelines and Capabilities
Our basic guidelines for stereolithography include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.
SLA Tolerances
For well-designed parts, tolerances in the X/Y dimension of ±0.002 in. (0.05mm) for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length. (0.001mm/mm), and Z dimension tolerances of ±0.005 in. for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length, can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.
Max Part Size
Layer Thickness
Minimum Feature Size
Minimum Wall Thickness
Minimum Hole Size
Tolerances
*Available for the following materials: ABS-Like White and Gray, ABS-Like Translucent/Clear, and PC-Like Translucent/Clear
SLA Material Options
ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200)
ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) is a widely used general purpose SLA material.
In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. Parts as large as 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. can be built with ABS-Like White so consider it a primary option if you require an extensive part size build envelope.
Primary Benefits
- Durable, general purpose resin
- Accommodates extra-large parts
ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray)
ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) is a widely used general purpose SLA material. In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. ABS-Like Gray offers the highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins.
Primary Benefits
- Durable, general purpose resin
- Highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins
ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820)
ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) is a widely used general purpose material.
Its deep black color and glossy up-facing surfaces in a top profile offer the appearance of a molded part, while layer lines may be visible in a side profile. RenShape 7820 also has low moisture absorption (0.25% per ASTM D570) so that parts are more dimensionally stable. Compared to other SLA materials, it has midrange values for all mechanical properties.
Primary Benefits
- Low moisture absorption
- Glossy cosmetic appearance
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122)
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) offers a unique combination of low moisture absorption (0.35% 0.25% per ASTM D570) and near-colorless transparency. Secondary operations are required to achieve functional part clarity, and the part will also retain a very light blue hue afterward. While good for general-purpose applications, WaterShed is the best choice for flow-visualization models, light pipes, and lenses.
Primary Benefits
- Lowest moisture absorption of SLA resins
- Functional transparency
MicroFine™ (Gray and Green)
MicroFine™ is a custom formulated material available in gray and green that is exclusive to Protolabs.
This ABS-like thermoset is printed in Protolabs’ customized machinery to achieve high resolution features as small as 0.002 in. MicroFine is ideal for small parts, generally less than 1 in. by 1 in. by 1 in. In terms of mechanical properties, MicroFine falls in the mid-range of SLA materials for tensile strength and modulus and on the low end for impact strength and elongation.
Primary Benefits
- Produces highest resolution parts
- Ideal for extra-small parts
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120)
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) is the most flexible SLA option outside of Carbon RPU 70 and FPU 50. In direct comparison to the average values of an injection-molded polypropylene, 9120 has similar tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The only departure from molded PP is its elongation value, which is only 25% of the molded thermoplastic.
Primary Benefits
- Semi-flexible
- Translucency
PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530)
PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530) creates strong, stiff parts with high temperature resistance.
A thermal post-cure option can increase HDT as high as 482°F at 0.46 MPa loading. Accura 5530 has the highest E-modulus of all the unfilled SLA materials, and it is known for being resistant to automotive fluids. However, the thermal curing process does make Accura 5530 less durable, resulting in a 50% reduction to elongation.
Primary Benefits
- High elastic modulus
- Higher resistance to heated fluids
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60)
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) is an alternative to the general purpose ABS-like materials and WaterShed XC 11122 when stiffness is desired. Like WaterShed, this material can be custom finished to achieve functional transparency with secondary processing. Accura 60 has the highest tensile strength of and elastic modulus compared of all SLA materials outside of the Advanced High Temp options that are most often thermal cured.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness
- Functional transparency
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM)
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM) exhibits the highest tensile strength and E-modulus making it the stiffest performance material of the SLA materials.
When the thermal cure option is applied to parts made from PerFORM, it exhibits the highest HDT (as high as 514°F at 0.46 MPa loading) of the SLA materials.
Primary Benefits
- Stiffest SLA resin
- Highest HDT of SLA resins
Compare SLA Material Properties
- US
- Metric
| Material | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) | White | 7.9 ksi | 479 ksi | 9% |
| ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) | Gray | 5.8 ksi | 290 ksi | 9% |
| ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) | Black | 7.0 ksi | 435 ksi | 5% |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) | Translucent/Clear | 7. 9 ksi | 421 ksi | 6% |
| MicroFine™ (Gray and Green) | Gray or Green | 8.7 ksi | 377 ksi | 8% |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | Translucent/White | 5.0 ksi | 232 ksi | 25% |
| PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) | Translucent/Clear | 10.8 ksi | 508 ksi | 7% |
| PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530) | Translucent/Amber | 6.5 ksi | 566 ksi | 1.5% |
| Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp* (PerFORM) | White | 10.9 ksi | 1523 ksi | 1% |
*Properties listed are based on thermal cure
| Material | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) | White | 54.47 Mpa | 3300 Mpa | 9% |
| ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) | Gray | 39. 98 Mpa | 2000 Mpa | 9% |
| ABS-Like Black (RenShape SL7820) | Black | 48.26 Mpa | 3000 Mpa | 5% |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) | Translucent/Clear | 54.47 Mpa | 2600 Mpa | 6% |
| MicroFine™ (Gray and Green) | Gray or Green | 59.98 Mpa | 2600 Mpa | 8% |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | Translucent/White | 34.47 Mpa | 1600 Mpa | 25% |
| PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) | Translucent/Clear | 74.46 Mpa | 3503 Mpa | 7% |
| PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530) | Translucent/Amber | 44.81 Mpa | 3902 Mpa | 1.5% |
| Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp* (PerFORM) | White | 75.15 Mpa | 10,500 Mpa | 1% |
*Properties listed are based on thermal cure
These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters.
The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.
Surface Finish Options for SLA Parts
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Unfinished
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Unfinished
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Standard
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Standard
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Natural
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Natural
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Custom
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Custom
Additional Finishing Options
Custom finishing is a mix of science, technology, and fine art that can transform a part to your exact specifications. Finishes include:
- Soft-touch paint
- Clear part finishing
- Paint finishes
- Masking
- Color matching
- Decals/graphic
- Texture
Metal Plating
Our metal-plating process for SLA coats a ceramic-filled PC-like material (Somos PerFORM) with a nickel that gives parts the look, feel, and strength of metal, but without the weight.
The combination of the material’s strength, rigidity, and temperature resistance with nickel plating, takes strength, stiffness, and impact and temperature resistance to a degree previously unattainable in SLA parts.
Microfluidics
Our microfluidic fabrication process is a modified form of high-resolution SLA that uses a clear ABS-like material (WaterShed XC 11122). Parts are resistance to water and humidity, and work well for lens and flow-visualization models.
Our SLA 3D Printers
Our stereolithography machines consists of Vipers, ProJets, and iPros. In high-resolution mode, Vipers and ProJets can make parts with extremely tiny features and crisp details, while in normal-resolution mode, they can build cost-effective parts very quickly.
iPros have extremely large build volumes at 29 in. by 25 in. by 21 in. (736mm by 635mm by 533mm), yet are still able to image highly detailed parts easily.
Why Use SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that can 3D print parts with small features, tight tolerance requirements, and smooth surface finishes.
How Does SLA 3D Printing Work?
The SLA machine begins drawing the layers of the support structures, followed by the part itself, with an ultraviolet laser aimed onto the surface of a liquid thermoset resin. After a layer is imaged on the resin surface, the build platform shifts down and a recoating bar moves across the platform to apply the next layer of resin. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.
Newly built parts are taken out of machine and into a lab where solvents are used to remove any additional resins. When the parts are completely clean, the support structures are manually removed. From there, parts undergo a UV-curing cycle to fully solidify the outer surface of the part. The final step in the SLA process is the application of any custom or customer-specified finishing. Parts built in SLA should be used with minimal UV and humidity exposure so they don’t degrade.
SLA Resources
Design Tip
An Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Stereolithography, a staple of 3D printing, can deliver complex prototypes quickly and accurately.
Read Design Tip
Design Tip
Selecting a Material for Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Compare materials for stereolithography with one another and with injection-molded plastics.
Read Design Tip
Blog
SLA vs. FDM: Comparing Common 3D Printing Technologies
See how these two 3D printing technologies stack up for prototype parts. Understanding the advantages of each will help accelerate design.
Read Blog
Guide
What is 3D Printing?
Gain an understanding of additive manufacturing and how it can be leveraged to improve product development through rapid prototyping and production.
Read Guide
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Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Guide
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is the most common resin 3D printing process that has become vastly popular for its ability to produce high-accuracy, isotropic, and watertight prototypes and end-use parts in a range of advanced materials with fine features and smooth surface finish.
In this comprehensive guide, learn how SLA 3D printers work, why thousands of professionals use this process today, and how SLA printers can benefit your work.
White Paper
Looking for a 3D printer to realize your 3D models in high resolution? Download our white paper to learn how SLA printing works and why it's the most popular 3D printing process for creating models with incredible details.
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Stereolithography belongs to a family of additive manufacturing technologies known as vat photopolymerization, commonly known as resin 3D printing. These machines are all built around the same principle, using a light source—a laser or projector—to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic. The main physical differentiation lies in the arrangement of the core components, such as the light source, the build platform, and the resin tank.
Watch how stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing works.
SLA 3D printers use light-reactive thermoset materials called “resin.” When SLA resins are exposed to certain wavelengths of light, short molecular chains join together, polymerizing monomers and oligomers into solidified rigid or flexible geometries.
A graphic representation of the basic mechanics of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing.
SLA parts have the highest resolution and accuracy, the sharpest details, and the smoothest surface finishes of all 3D printing technologies, but the main benefit of the stereolithography lies in its versatility.
Material manufacturers have created innovative SLA resin formulations with a wide range of optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to match those of standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics.
Advancements in 3D printing continue to change the way businesses approach prototyping and production. As the technology becomes more accessible and affordable and hardware and materials advance to match market opportunities and demands, designers, engineers, and beyond are integrating 3D printing into workflows across development cycles.
Across industries, 3D printing is helping professionals cut outsourcing costs, iterate faster, optimize production processes, and even unlock entirely new business models.
Stereolithography 3D printing in particular has undergone significant changes. Traditionally, SLA 3D printers have been monolithic and cost-prohibitive, requiring skilled technicians and costly service contracts. Today, small format desktop printers produce industrial-quality output, at substantially more affordable price points and with unmatched versatility.
Compare stereolithography 3D printing to two other common technologies for producing plastic parts: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS).
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See how to go from design to 3D print with the Form 3+ SLA 3D printer.
This 5-minute video covers the basics of how to use the Form 3, from the software and materials to printing and post-processing.
Use any CAD software or 3D scan data to design your model, and export it in a 3D printable file format (STL or OBJ). Each SLA printer includes software to specify printing settings and slice the digital model into layers for printing. Once setup is complete, the print preparation software sends the instructions to the printer via a wireless or cable connection.
More advanced users may consider specifically designing for SLA, or taking steps like hollowing parts to conserve material.
After a quick confirmation of the correct setup, the printing process begins and the machine can run unattended until the print is complete. In printers with a cartridge system, the material is automatically refilled by the machine.
An online Dashboard from Formlabs allows you to remotely manage printers, materials, and teams.
Once the printing is completed, parts require rinsing in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any uncured resin from their surface. After rinsed parts dry, some materials require post-curing, a process which helps parts to reach their highest possible strength and stability. Finally, remove supports from the parts and sand the remaining support marks for a clean finish. SLA parts can be easily machined, primed, painted, and assembled for specific applications or finishes.
Post-curing is particularly important for functional resins for engineering, and mandatory for some dentistry and jewelry materials and applications.
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Engineers, designers, manufacturers, and more choose SLA 3D printing for its fine features, smooth surface finish, ultimate part precision and accuracy, and mechanical attributes like isotropy, watertightness, and material versatility.
Because 3D printing creates parts one layer at a time, completed prints may have variations in strength based on orientation of the part relative to the printing process, with different properties in X, Y, and Z axes.
Extrusion-based 3D printing processes like fused deposition modeling (FDM) are known for being anisotropic due to layer-to-layer differences created by the print process. This anisotropy limits the usefulness of FDM for certain applications, or requires more adjustments on the part geometry side to compensate for it.
Read our in-depth guide about FDM vs. SLA 3D printers to learn how they compare in terms of print quality, materials, applications, workflow, speed, costs, and more.
In contrast, SLA resin 3D printers create highly isotropic parts. Achieving part isotropy is based on a number of factors that can be tightly controlled by integrating material chemistry with the print process. During printing, resin components form covalent bonds, but layer to layer, the part remains in a semi-reacted “green state.
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While in the green state, the resin retains polymerizable groups that can form bonds across layers, imparting isotropy and watertightness to the part upon final cure. On the molecular level, there is no difference between X, Y, or Z planes. This results in parts with predictable mechanical performance critical for applications like jigs and fixtures, end-use parts, and functional prototyping.
SLA printed parts are highly isotropic compared to those produced with fused deposition modeling (FDM).
Because they are isotropic, SLA printed parts like this jig from Pankl Racing Systems can withstand the variety of directional forces they undergo during high stress manufacturing operations.
SLA printed objects are continuous, whether producing geometries with solid features or internal channels. This watertightness is important for engineering and manufacturing applications where air or fluid flow must be controlled and predictable. Engineers and designers use the watertightness of SLA printers to solve air and fluid flow challenges for automotive uses, biomedical research, and to validate part designs for consumer products like kitchen appliances.
OXO relies on the watertightness of SLA printing to create robust functional prototypes for products with air or fluid flow, like this coffee maker.
Industries from dental to manufacturing depend on SLA 3D printing to repeatedly create accurate, precise components. For a print process to produce accurate and precise parts, multiple factors must be tightly controlled.
Compared to machined accuracy, SLA 3D printing is somewhere between standard machining and fine machining. SLA has the highest tolerance of commercially available 3D printing technologies. Learn more about understanding tolerance, accuracy, and precision in 3D printing.
The combination of the heated resin tank and the closed build environment provides almost identical conditions for each print. Better accuracy is also a function of lower printing temperature compared to thermoplastic-based technologies that melt the raw material. Because stereolithography uses light instead of heat, the printing process takes place at close to room temperature, and printed parts don't suffer from thermal expansion and contraction artifacts.
An example from the dental industry comparing a scanned component with the original CAD geometry, demonstrating the ability to maintain tight tolerances across an SLA printed part.
Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) 3D printing houses the optics inside a Light Processing Unit (LPU) that moves in the X direction. One galvanometer positions the laser beam in the Y direction, then directs it along across a fold mirror and parabolic mirror to deliver a beam that is always perpendicular to the build plane, so it is always moving in a straight line to provide even greater precision and accuracy, and allows for uniformity as hardware scales up to larger sizes, like Formlabs larger format SLA printer Form 3L. The LPU also uses a spatial filter to create a crisp, clean laser spot for greater precision.
The characteristics of individual materials are also important for ensuring a reliable, repeatable print process.
Formlabs Rigid Resin has a high green modulus, or modulus before post-curing, which means it’s possible to print very thin parts with precision and a lower chance of failure.
SLA printers are considered the gold standard for smooth surface finish, with appearances comparable to traditional manufacturing methods like machining, injection molding, and extrusion.
This surface quality is ideal for applications that require a flawless finish and also helps reduce post-processing time, since parts can easily be sanded, polished, and painted. For example, leading companies like Gillette use SLA 3D printing to create end-use consumer products, like 3D printed razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.
Leading companies like Gillette use SLA 3D printing to create end-use consumer products, like the 3D printed razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.
Z-axis layer height is commonly used to define the resolution of a 3D printer. This can be adjusted in between 25 and 300 microns on Formlabs SLA 3D printers, with a trade-off between speed and quality.
In comparison, FDM and SLS printers typically print Z-axis layers at 100 to 300 microns.
However, a part printed at 100 microns on an FDM or SLS printer looks different from a part printed at 100 microns on an SLA printer. SLA prints have a smoother surface finish right out of the printer, because the outermost perimeter walls are straight, and the newly printed layer interacts with the previous layer, smoothing out the staircase effect. FDM prints tend to have clearly visible layers, whereas SLS has a grainy surface from the sintered powder.
The smallest possible detail is also much finer on SLA, given 85 micron laser spot size on the Form 3+, in comparison with 350 microns on industrial SLS printers, and 250–800 micron nozzles on FDM machines.
While FDM 3D printed parts tend to have visible layer lines and might show inaccuracies around complex features, parts printed on SLA machines have sharp edges, a smooth surface finish, and minimal visible layer lines.
SLA resins have the benefit of a wide range of formulation configurations: materials can be soft or hard, heavily filled with secondary materials like glass and ceramic, or imbued with mechanical properties like high heat deflection temperature or impact resistance.
Material range from industry-specific, like dentures, to those that closely match final materials for prototyping, formulated to withstand extensive testing and perform under stress.
Rigid 10K Resin is a highly glass-filled material for industrial parts that need to withstand significant load without bending, including applications like injection molding.
In some cases, its this combination of versatility and functionality that leads to companies to initially bring resin 3D printing in-house. After finding one application solved by a specific functional material, it’s usually not long before more possibilities are uncovered, and the printer becomes a tool for leveraging the diverse capabilities of various materials.
For example, hundreds of engineers in the Design and Prototyping Group at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) rely on open access to a fleet of 12 SLA 3D printers and a variety of engineering materials to support highly diverse research projects with industrial partners like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Airbus.
The team used High Temp Resin to 3D print washers, brackets, and a sensor mounting system that needed to withstand the elevated, and leveraged Durable Resin to create intricate custom springy components for a pick and place robot that automates composites manufacturing.
Engineers at the AMRC use a fleet of 12 SLA 3D printers and a variety of engineering materials to print custom parts for diverse research projects, like brackets for a pick and place robot (top), and mounts for sensors in a high-temperature environment (bottom).
Interactive
Need some help figuring out which 3D printing material you should choose? Our new interactive material wizard helps you make the right material decisions based on your application and the properties you care the most about from our growing library of resins.
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SLA 3D printing accelerates innovation and supports businesses across a wide range of industries, including engineering, manufacturing, dentistry, healthcare, education, entertainment, jewelry, audiology, and more.
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing empowers engineers and product designers to turn ideas into realistic proofs of concept, advance these concepts to high-fidelity prototypes that look and work like final products, and guide products through a series of validation stages toward mass production.
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Manufacturers automate production processes and streamline workflows by prototyping tooling and directly 3D printing custom tools, molds, and manufacturing aids at far lower costs and lead times than with traditional manufacturing. This reduces manufacturing costs and defects, increases quality, speeds up assembly, and maximizes labor effectiveness.
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Digital dentistry reduces the risks and uncertainties introduced by human factors, providing higher consistency, accuracy, and precision at every stage of the workflow to improve patient care. 3D printers can produce a range of high-quality custom products and appliances at low unit costs with superior fit and repeatable results.
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Affordable, professional-grade desktop 3D printing helps doctors deliver treatments and devices customized to better serve each unique individual, opening the door to high-impact medical applications while saving organizations significant time and costs from the lab to the operating room.
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3D printers are multifunctional tools for immersive learning and advanced research. They can encourage creativity and expose students to professional-level technology while supporting STEAM curricula across science, engineering, art, and design.
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High definition physical models are widely used in sculpting, character modeling, and prop making. 3D printed parts have starred in stop-motion films, video games, bespoke costumes, and even special effects for blockbuster movies.
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Jewelry professionals use CAD and 3D printing to rapidly prototype designs, fit clients, and produce large batches of ready-to-cast pieces.
Digital tools allow for the creation of consistent, sharply detailed pieces without the tediousness and variability of wax carving.
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Hearing specialists and ear mold labs use digital workflows and 3D printing to manufacture higher quality custom ear products more consistently, and at higher volumes for applications like behind-the-ear hearing aids, hearing protection, and custom earplugs and earbuds.
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Many companies start using 3D printing via outsourcing to service bureaus or labs. Outsourcing production can be a great solution when teams require 3D printing only occasionally, or for one-offs that require unique material properties or applications. Service bureaus can also provide advice on various materials and offer value-added services such as design or advanced finishing.
The main downsides of outsourcing are cost and lead time. Often, outsourcing is a gateway to bringing production in-house as needs ramp up.
One of the greatest benefits of 3D printing is its speed compared to traditional manufacturing methods, which quickly diminishes when an outsourced part takes multiple days or even weeks to arrive. With growing demand and production, outsourcing also rapidly becomes expensive.
Because of the rise of affordable industrial-quality 3D printing, today, more and more companies choose to bring 3D printing in-house right away, vertically integrating into existing shops or labs, or in the workspaces of engineers, designers, and others who could benefit from translating digital designs into physical parts or who are involved in small batch production.
Small format, desktop SLA 3D printers are great when you need parts quickly. Depending on the number of parts and printing volume, investment into a small format 3D printer can break even within months. Plus, with small format machines, it’s possible to pay for just as much capacity as a business needs and scale production by adding extra units as demand grows.
Using multiple 3D printers also creates the flexibility to print parts in different materials simultaneously. Service bureaus can still supplement this flexible workflow for larger parts or unconventional materials.
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Fast turnaround time is a huge advantage to owning a desktop 3D printer. When working with a printing bureau, lead times, communication, and shipping all create delays. With a desktop 3D printer like the Form 3+, parts are in-hand within hours, allowing designers and engineers to print multiple parts in one day, helping to iterate faster and drastically reduce product development time and quickly test mechanisms and assemblies avoid costly tool changes.
Owning a desktop 3D printer results in significant savings over 3D printing service bureaus and traditional machining, as these alternatives rapidly becomes expensive with growing demand and production.
For example, to fulfill tight production deadlines, a process engineer and team at Pankl Racing Systems introduced SLA 3D printing to produce custom jigs and other low-volume parts directly for their manufacturing line. While in-house SLA was initially met with skepticism, it turned out to be an ideal substitute to machining a variety of tools. In one case, it reduced lead time for jigs by 90 percent—from two to three weeks to less than a day—and decreased costs by 80-90 percent.
| Cost | Lead Time | |
|---|---|---|
| In-House SLA 3D Printing | $9–$28 | 5–9 hours |
| CNC Machining | $45–$340 | 2–3 weeks |
| Outsourced 3D Printing | $51–$137 | 1–3 weeks |
Pankl Racing Systems significantly reduced lead times and costs by 3D printing custom jigs in-house.
With small format machines, it’s possible to pay for just as much capacity as a business needs and scale production by adding extra units as demand grows.
Using multiple 3D printers also creates the flexibility to print parts in different materials simultaneously.
The Design and Prototyping Group at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) runs an open-access additive manufacturing station with a fleet of 12 Form 2 stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers for hundreds of engineers working on diverse projects across the site.
Formlabs offers two high precision SLA 3D printing systems, a growing library of specialized materials, intuitive print preparation and management software, and professional services—all in one package.
To continue exploring SLA 3D printing, start with feeling the quality of SLA for yourself: Request a free sample 3D printed part in your choice of material to be mailed straight to your door.
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3D Printer Comparison Guide 2020
The market for 3D printing and additive manufacturing has changed significantly in recent years.
Where technology used to be primarily a hobbyist domain, high-performance desktop machines have turned it into an indispensable tool for businesses. Once 3D printing has become the main tool for prototyping and product design, it has become widely used in manufacturing, dentistry, jewelry and many other fields.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) printers are the two most popular types of 3D printers on the market. Both 3D printing technologies have been adapted and enhanced for desktop use, increasing their accessibility, functionality and usability.
In this comprehensive buyer's guide, we take a closer look at FDM and SLA 3D printers and compare them in terms of print quality, materials, application, workflow, speed, cost, and more to help you determine which method is the most suitable for your business.
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Can't find the 3D printing technology that best suits your needs? In this video tutorial, we compare Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technologies in terms of the top factors to consider when purchasing.
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Fused Filament Manufacturing (FFF), is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level. The working principle of FDM 3D printers is to extrude thermoplastic filaments such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PLA (Polylactide) through a heated nozzle, melt the material, and deposit the plastic on the build platform layer by layer. Layers are applied sequentially one after another until the model is ready.
See how FDM 3D printing is done.
FDM 3D printers are well suited for making basic experimental models, as well as for quickly and inexpensively prototyping simple parts, such as parts that are usually machined.
Invented in the 1980s, stereolithography is the world's first 3D printing technology and is still one of the most popular technologies among professionals today. SLA 3D printers use a process called photopolymerization, which is the conversion of liquid polymers into hardened plastic using a laser.
See how SLA 3D printing is done.
Resin-based SLA 3D printers have become extremely popular due to their ability to produce highly accurate, isotropic and waterproof prototypes and models with excellent detail and smooth surfaces. SLA polymers offer a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics.
Resin 3D printing is an excellent option for producing highly detailed prototypes that require tight tolerances and smooth surfaces such as molds, templates and functional parts. SLA 3D printers are widely used in industries ranging from engineering and design to manufacturing, dentistry, jewelry, modeling, and education.
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When additive manufacturing builds a model layer by layer, each layer contains the potential for inaccuracies.
The layering process affects the surface quality, the level of accuracy and correctness of each layer, and therefore the overall print quality.
FDM 3D printers form layers by applying lines of molten material. During this process, the resolution of the model is determined by the size of the extrusion nozzle, and when lines are drawn with the nozzle, voids are created between the rounded lines. As a result, the layers may not be completely adjacent to each other, they are usually clearly visible on the surface, and, in addition, there is no ability to reproduce the complex details that other technologies offer.
In SLA 3D printing, each layer is formed by curing a liquid polymer with a high-precision laser, which allows you to get models with greater detail and achieve high quality on a consistent basis. As a result, SLA 3D printing is known for excellent detail, smooth surfaces, high precision models and accurate rendering.
3D Printing Accuracy, Accuracy and Tolerance are terms that are not entirely clear and often misunderstood.
Find out what they mean to get a better idea of 3D printing quality.
Models created using SLA technology have sharp edges, smooth surfaces and almost invisible layer lines. This sample was printed on a Formlabs Form 3 desktop stereolithography 3D printer.
Using light instead of heat in the printing process is another way to ensure the print quality of SLA printers. Since 3D models are printed at close to room temperature, they do not suffer from the thermal expansion and contraction distortions that can occur during FDM printing.
Due to the high-precision laser, SLA 3D printers are better suited for making complex parts (FDM printed part on the left, SLA printed part on the right).
While FDM printers create a mechanical bond between layers, SLA 3D printers create chemical bonds between photopolymers by cross-linking photopolymers, resulting in dense, waterproof and airtight models. These bonds provide a high degree of shear strength resulting in isotropic parts, which means that the strength of the parts does not change depending on the direction.
This makes the use of SLA 3D printing especially useful in the field of engineering and manufacturing, where material properties are important.
The quality difference is less noticeable on relatively simple parts. However, SLA parts are dense and isotropic, so they find more use in design and manufacturing (left - FDM printed part on the left, right - SLA printed part on the right).
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Extrusion 3D printers use a range of standard thermoplastic filaments such as ABS, PLA and various blends thereof. The popularity of FDM 3D printing among hobbyists has led to a large number of colors available. There are also various experimental mixtures of plastic threads designed to create models with a surface that mimics wood or metal.
Engineering materials such as nylon, PETG, PA or TPU and high strength thermoplastics such as PEEK or PEI are also available, but in most cases only certain professional FDM printers support them.
FDM filaments and blends offer various color options. (source: All3DP.com)
The advantage of SLA polymers is 's wide range of formulations offering a variety of characteristics: they can be soft or hard, contain additives such as glass and ceramic, have special mechanical properties such as high bending temperature under load or shock resistance. The polymers offer a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics.
SLA 3D printers provide access to a variety of materials for design and production.
In some cases, it is this combination of versatility and functionality that leads businesses to adopt SLA 3D printing in-house. Once a solution has been found with a particular functional polymer, other applications are usually quickly discovered, and the printer becomes a tool for exploiting the diverse properties of different polymers.
Some properties of SLA polymers are unique.
Among them:
SLA is the only 3D printing technology that allows you to create transparent models on a desktop printer. Ideal for enhancing the visibility of complex assemblies, (micro)fluidic elements, mold making, optics, lighting elements and any product requiring transparency.
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Parts printed with this material look and feel like silicone; They are durable enough to be used multiple times.
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Provides the highest HDT of 238°C at 0.45 MPa, the highest temperature resistance of any desktop 3D printing material.
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Resin with 20% wax for investment casting and pressing of dental and jewellery.
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Specialty resins for dental products such as biocompatible surgical guides, splints, permanent casts and dentures, clear aligner patterns, and complete dentures.
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Resin for 3D printing of models with a stone-like texture and subsequent production of a ceramic product by firing.
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Our interactive materials wizard helps you select the right material from our growing range of polymers based on the future application of the material and the properties that matter most to you.
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Both FDM and SLA 3D printing workflow consists of three steps: design, 3D printing, and post-processing.
First, a model is designed using CAD software or 3D scan data and exported to a 3D print file format (STL or OBJ). Then you need to use the software to prepare the 3D model for printing, in particular, set the print parameters and separate the digital model into layers.
Budget 3D FDM or SLA printers are not very convenient in terms of usability: finding the right print settings for them requires experimentation and often takes hours. Even so, when using a new design or material, the print result may change, and the probability of rejection remains high.
This not only causes delays in projects, but can also cause printer failure that will take a long time to resolve.
Professional SLA 3D printers such as the Form 3 and some professional FDM printers come with their own proprietary software and presets for each material that have been rigorously tested to ensure the best printing results.
With advanced print preparation tools such as PreForm, print setup is plug and play. PreForm software is available as a free download and you can try it right now. .
Once the 3D printing process has started, most 3D printers can run it without an operator, even overnight, until the model is finished. Advanced SLA 3D printers such as the Form 3 automatically refill resins from cartridges.
The last step in the workflow is post-processing. Models produced by SLA require rinsing with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or alternative solvents to remove uncured polymers from their surface. The standard workflow involves first removing the models from the build platform and then manually soaking them in a solvent bath to remove excess resin.
Professional solutions such as Form Wash automate this process. Models from the printer are transferred to the Form Wash station, which cleans the models by stirring the solvent around them and automatically removes the models from the alcohol bath when the process is complete.
After washed models have dried, some SLA resins require final polymerization , a process that helps models achieve the highest possible strength and stability.
The advantage of the FDM method is that it does not require cleaning; models without supporting structures are ready for use or post-processing immediately after the printing process is completed.
In both FDM and SLA printing, support structures can be used to facilitate 3D printing of complex shapes, and their removal is the last step in post-processing.
On FDM models, the supporting structures must be separated manually or dissolved in water, depending on the material of the structure.
Obtaining a high quality surface on FDM models with supporting structures requires additional post-processing (source: 3D Hubs).
Removal of the supporting structures on SLA models consists of cutting off the supporting structures and lightly sanding the models to remove traces of the supports. Formlabs Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) ™ Technology offers easy-to-release supports that provide separation of the object from the supporting structure in seconds and with minimal marks, reducing post-processing costs.
With additional post-processing, both FDM and SLA models can be machined, primed, painted or assembled depending on the application. However, before priming or painting, FDM models require additional sanding, and for machining or drilling, a higher filling density is required.
Use our easy-to-use interactive tool to help you calculate model costs and lead times using your Form 2 3D printer and compare time and cost savings with other manufacturing methods.
One of the main advantages of FDM 3D printers is the low cost of the device. Entry-level FDM printers are available for as little as a few hundred dollars, giving hobbyists and small businesses a chance to see 3D printing in action and decide whether to add the technology to their toolbox.
For novice users, the lower cost of an entry-level FDM printer is often an argument for making a purchase. However, inexpensive FDM printers can be unreliable and often require specialized knowledge for long-term use.
Professional desktop FDM printers are easier to use and more suitable for business applications and are priced between $2,000 and $8,000. Such 3D printers typically offer higher reliability, higher print quality, and higher print volumes. Although these devices are suitable for the production of functional models, competition in this price category is strong, since the scope of SLA printers is wider and the print quality is better.
SLA 3D printers start at $3750 and only Formlabs releases SLA Large Format 3D Printer priced under $11,000.
In terms of materials, FDM filaments also have a relatively low cost compared to materials used in other 3D printing technologies. Commonly used FDM materials such as ABS, PLA and their various blends typically cost around $50/kg, while specialized FDM filaments for engineering applications can cost $100-150/kg.
Soluble support materials for dual extrusion FDM 3D printers sell for $100-200/kg. By comparison, most standard and engineered resins for SLA 3D printers cost $50-$150/L.
Labor is the last and often overlooked part of the equation. FDM models of simple form, which do not need support structures when printed, require almost no post-processing. For FDM models with supporting structures and parts where high surface quality is important, lengthy manual post-processing is required.
SLA models require rinsing and, depending on the material, also final polymerization, but in most cases both processes can be carried out to automate with accessories , thus minimizing labor costs. SLA models with support structures require only minimal sanding to remove support marks and achieve a high quality finish.
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FDM printers can print thicker layers and typically use lower infill density, which speeds up the 3D printing process. FDM also has fewer post-processing steps for simple models. Depending on the specific project, this means that the models are ready for use shortly after printing is completed. This is very useful for tasks such as rapid prototyping - users can quickly evaluate the result and move on to printing another model or project.
However, the speed advantage of FDM is currently waning due to the emergence of faster SLA resins such as Draft Resin , which prints 40% faster than FDM 3D printers. With a layer thickness of 300 µm, Draft Resin achieves sufficient precision to meet the needs of prototyping while enabling faster design iteration cycles. If the model occupies the entire working volume, it can take up to 20 hours for the SLA printer to produce it using standard resins, which will require printing at night.
Printing the same part in 300 micron layers with Draft Resin takes less than six hours.
These are six prototype pump housings printed using Draft Resin. It took 3 hours and 7 minutes to print one prototype with standard resins, and 47 minutes with Draft Resin. The final model was printed using Tough Resin and Rigid Resin.
With the same layer thickness, the print speed of FDM and SLA printers becomes comparable. Please note that due to the way the layers are formed, a part printed with 100 micron layers on an FDM printer is very different from a part printed with 100 micron layers on an SLA printer. Achieving comparable quality on an FDM printer would require a thinner layer—which means two to four times longer print times—or more and longer post-processing to improve surface quality.
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Print volume is an area where FDM printers have traditionally dominated. Due to the specifics of the technology, the production of large-format FDM printers is less complicated. There are many large format FDM solutions on the market for applications that require 3D printing of large parts.
Inverted stereolithography used in desktop SLA printers reduces printer footprint and cost, but the intensive layer separation process creates material and print volume limitations, and strong support structures are required to successfully print larger parts.
The development of Formlabs Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology, used in the Form 3 and Form 3L printers, has revolutionized the approach to resin 3D printing and drastically reduced the forces on models during the printing process. Uniform linear illumination and a force-reducing elastic reservoir mean that Low Force Stereolithography technology can be seamlessly scaled to a wider print area using the same powerful print engine.
The first affordable large-format stereolithography printer, the Form 3L prints large details quickly using two stepped Light Processing Units (LPUs) that work simultaneously on an optimized print path. Offering up to five times the print volume of current SLA printers, the Form 3L eliminates size constraints that can be found on small desktop devices at a competitive price.
9The 0002 Form 3L offers five times the print volume of existing SLA printers at a competitive price.Each 3D printing technology has its strengths, weaknesses, limitations and applications. The following table summarizes the key characteristics and factors.
Comparing the two technologies, we can conclude that FDM and SLA printers have similar, often complementary features.
These two types of 3D printers are not always in competition; many companies use both FDM and SLA 3D printers. In this way, you can get the best of both worlds: inexpensive rapid prototyping combined with high-quality functional model production allows you to solve a wide range of problems.
Some practical examples:
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When developing products, FDM models or SLA printing with Draft Resin are ideal for basic proof-of-concept testing and faster iteration. As you move into the next stages of development, SLA 3D printing is indispensable for producing detailed concept models or functional prototypes that may require higher quality and materials with different properties.
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Both FDM and SLA 3D printing are often used in manufacturing to make clamps, fasteners and other tooling. FDM is best suited for large and simple parts, SLA for complex fixtures, precision fixtures and molds.
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FDM and SLA printers are being used effectively in education.
Many schools are starting out with FDM printing because its low cost allows it to offer students quick drafts and hands-on experience with the technology. SLA technology is popular among technical schools, universities, research institutes, as well as in the teaching of dentistry and to jewelry because of the higher quality and wider range of applications.
The University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) uses a fleet of 12 stereolithographic 3D printers for most engineering and manufacturing tasks and five industrial FDM printers for large parts.
Check out our white paper, , for a detailed overview of SLA ecosystems and a step-by-step 3D printing workflow.
Want to see the quality of the SLA with your own eyes? Select an application from our list and request a free sample of to find the right material for your application.
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The Complete Guide to Stereolithographic (SLA) 3D Printing modern materials.
This comprehensive guide explains how SLA printing technologies work, why thousands of professionals use them today, and how this 3D printing technology can be useful in your work.
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The development of 3D printing technology continues to influence how companies approach prototyping and manufacturing. This technology is becoming more accessible, and equipment and materials are developing in accordance with the possibilities and requirements of the market. That's why today designers, engineers and others are integrating 3D printing into workflows at all stages of development.
3D printing is helping industry professionals reduce recruitment costs, accelerate iteration, streamline manufacturing processes, and even discover entirely new business models.
Stereolithographic 3D printing technology has evolved significantly. In the past, resin 3D printers were monolithic and costly, requiring skilled technicians and costly service contracts to operate. Today's small desktop printers are highly flexible and produce industrial-quality products at a much lower cost.
Stereolithography is a type of additive manufacturing. It is also known as photopolymerization in the bath or 3D printing using polymer resin. Devices that use this technology have a common principle of operation: under the influence of a light source (laser or projector), a liquid polymer turns into a solid plastic. The main differences are in the location of the main components such as the light source, work platform and resin tank.
See how stereolithography 3D printing is done.
Stereolithographic 3D printers use light-sensitive curable materials called "polymers". When stereolithographic polymers are exposed to specific wavelengths of light, short molecular chains join together causing the monomers and oligomers to polymerize into either rigid or flexible patterns.
Graphical representation of the main mechanisms of stereolithographic 3D printing.
Models printed on SLA printers have the highest resolution and accuracy, the sharpest detail, and the smoothest surface of any 3D printing technology, but the main advantage of this method is its versatility.
Materials manufacturers have developed innovative formulas for stereolithographic polymers with a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties similar to standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastic resins.
Comparison of stereolithographic 3D printing with two other common plastic modeling technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
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Learn how to go from design to 3D printing with a Form 3 3D printer.
Watch this 5-minute video to learn the fundamentals of using a Form 3 printer, from software and materials to processes printing and post-processing.
Use any CAD software or 3D scan data to design the model and export it to a 3D print file format (STL or OBJ). All printers based on SLA technology work with software that allows you to set print parameters and separate the digital model into layers. After the settings are complete, the model preparation software sends instructions to the printer via a wireless or cable connection.
More advanced users can design directly for SLA technology or, for example, print models with voids to save materials.
After a quick check of the settings, the printing process starts. The printer may run unattended until printing is complete. In printers with a cartridge system, material is replenished automatically.
Formlabs' online Dashboard allows you to remotely manage printers, resins, and employee access.
After printing is complete, prints should be rinsed with isopropyl alcohol to remove resin residue from their surface. After the washed models have dried, some materials require final polymerization, a process that ensures the best possible strength and stability of the parts. Finally, remove the support structures from the models and sand down the remaining traces of the supports for a clean finish. Models produced with SLA technology can be machined, primed, painted or assembled depending on the intended use.
Final polymerization is especially important for functional polymer resins used in engineering, dentistry and jewellery.
Engineers, designers, fabricators and others choose stereolithography 3D printing because it provides excellent detail, smooth surfaces, superior model fidelity, isotropy, and water resistance. In addition, it allows you to work with various materials.
Because 3D printing creates models layer by layer, the strength of finished parts can vary depending on the orientation of the part relative to the printing process: the X, Y, and Z axes will have different properties.
Extrusion-based 3D printing processes such as deposition filament modeling (FDM) are anisotropic due to a special approach to creating different layers during the manufacturing process. This anisotropy limits the application of FDM technology or requires additional changes in the design of the model to compensate for it.
Check out our detailed guide comparing FDM vs. SLA 3D printers to see how they differ in terms of print quality, materials, application, workflow, speed, cost, and more.
Stereolithographic 3D printers, on the other hand, allow the production of highly isotropic models. Achieving detail isotropy relies on a number of factors that can be tightly controlled by integrating the chemical composition of materials with the printing process. During printing, the components of the polymers form covalent bonds, but when creating subsequent layers, the model remains in an "immature" state of partial reaction.
In its immature state, the resin retains polymerizable groups that can form bonds between layers, giving the model isotropic and waterproof properties after final curing.
At the molecular level, there are no differences between the X, Y, and Z planes. This results in models with predictable mechanical characteristics critical for applications such as jigs and fixtures and finished parts, as well as functional prototyping.
SLA printed parts are highly isotropic compared to FDM parts.
Due to its isotropic nature, stereolithographic printed models, such as this jig for Pankl Racing Systems, can withstand directional loads during production.
SLA printed objects are continuous, whether they are solid or have internal channels. Watertightness is important when it is necessary to control and predict the impact of air or liquid flows. Engineers and designers are using the water resistance of stereolithography printers for air and fluid flow applications in the automotive industry, biomedical research, and to test the design of parts in consumer products such as kitchen appliances.
OXO relies on the water resistance of stereolithographic printed models to create durable working prototypes of air and liquid products such as coffee makers.
Stereolithographic 3D printing is used to produce precise, reproducible components in a variety of industries, including dentistry and manufacturing. In order to produce accurate models during the printing process, many factors must be strictly controlled.
The quality of stereolithographic 3D printing is somewhere between standard and precision machined. SLA has the highest tolerance compared to other commercial 3D printing technologies. Learn more about tolerances, accuracy and precision in 3D printing.
The heated resin tank combined with the closed working environment provide virtually the same conditions for every model. The higher accuracy also depends on the lower printing temperature compared to thermoplastic-based technologies in which the raw material is melted. Because stereolithography uses light instead of heat, it prints at close to room temperature and models are not subject to thermal expansion and contraction.
Dental example (comparing a scanned component to an original CAD model) demonstrating the ability to maintain tight tolerances for an entire stereolithographic model.
LFS stereolithography 3D printing involves an optic in a Light Processing Unit (LPU) that moves along the x-axis. parabolic mirrors so that it is always perpendicular to the plane of the platform, so it always moves in a straight line, ensuring maximum precision and accuracy. This allows consistency to be achieved as the size of the equipment increases, for example, when working with a large-sized Formlabs Form 3L stereolithography printer. The LPU also uses a spatial filter, which forms a clear laser spot.
The characteristics of the individual materials also play an important role in ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of print results.
Formlabs Rigid Resin has a high green modulus, or modulus of elasticity, prior to final polymerization, allowing very thin models to be printed with high precision and reliability.
Stereolithographic printers are considered the best 3D printers due to the smooth surface of the produced models, the appearance of which is comparable to parts produced by traditional methods such as machining, injection molding and extrusion.
This surface quality is ideal when a perfect finish is needed and also helps reduce post-processing time because it is easy to sand, polish and paint. For example, large companies like Gillette use stereolithography 3D printing to create finished products such as razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.
Large companies such as Gillette use stereolithography 3D printing to create finished products such as razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.
The Z layer height is often used to determine the resolution of a 3D printer. On Formlabs stereolithographic 3D printers, it can be adjusted from 25 microns to 300 microns to trade off speed and print quality.
FDM and SLS printers typically print Z-axis layers between 100 and 300 microns wide. At the same time, a part printed with 100 micron layers on an FDM or SLS printer is very different from a part printed with 100 micron layers on an SLA printer.
Models printed on a stereolithographic printer have a smoother surface immediately after printing, because their outer walls are straight, and each new printed layer interacts with the previous one, smoothing out the effect of the stairs. When printed on an FDM printer, layers are often visible in models, and the surface of models printed on an SLS printer has a grainy structure due to sintered powder.
In addition, the stereolithography printer can print fine details: the Form 3 laser spot size is 85 microns, while industrial SLS printers have a laser spot size of 350 microns, and FDM-based devices use nozzles with a diameter of 250– 800 microns.
Models printed on FDM printers often show layer lines and may have inaccuracies around complex features. Models printed on stereolithography printers have sharp edges, a smooth surface, and almost imperceptible layer lines.
The advantage of SLA polymers lies in a wide range of formulations offering a variety of characteristics: they can be soft or hard, contain additives such as glass and ceramics, or have special mechanical properties such as high bending temperature under load or impact resistance.
Materials can be designed for a particular industry, such as dentures, or have properties close to those of final materials to create prototypes that can be tested and run under stress.
Ceramic Resin can be 3D printed with a stone-like texture and then fired to create a ceramic product.
In some cases, it is this combination of versatility and functionality that is leading businesses to use polymer-based 3D printing in-house. After solving existing problems through the use of a certain functional polymer, other applications are usually quickly discovered. In this case, the printer becomes a tool for discovering the various properties of different polymers.
For example, hundreds of engineers in the Design and Prototyping group at the Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Research Center (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield have access to 12 stereolithographic 3D printers and various construction materials that they use in numerous research projects for these partner companies like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Airbus.
They printed High Temp Resin washers, brackets, and a mounting system for a sensor that must operate in high temperature conditions, and used Durable Resin to create complex spring components for a material handling robot as part of a composite manufacturing automation system.
AMRC engineers have access to 12 stereolithographic 3D printers and various construction materials, allowing them to create custom-designed parts for a variety of research projects, such as brackets for a stacking robot (above) and mounts for an environmental sensor. high temperature (below).
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Stereolithographic 3D printing makes it easier for businesses across industries to innovate.
Such industries include engineering, manufacturing, dentistry, healthcare, education, entertainment, jewelry, and audiology.
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing enables engineers and developers to turn ideas into working proofs of concept, transform concepts into high-quality prototypes that look and work like final products, and take products through testing phases to launch into mass production.
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By creating the necessary prototypes and 3D printing special tools, molds and production aids, manufacturing companies can automate production and optimize workflows at a much lower cost and in much faster time than traditional manufacturing. Thus, production costs are reduced and defects are prevented, quality is improved, assembly is accelerated and labor productivity is increased.
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Digital Dentistry reduces the risks and uncertainties associated with human error, enabling consistent quality and precision at every step of the workflow, and improving patient care.
3D printers can produce a range of high quality custom products at low cost, providing exceptional fit and reproducible results.
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3D printers are multifunctional tools for creating immersive learning and research environments. They stimulate creativity and introduce students to professional-level technology, enabling the implementation of the STEAM method in the fields of science, technology, art and design.
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Affordable, professional-grade desktop 3D printers help clinicians create medical devices that meet individual needs and improve patient outcomes. At the same time, the organization significantly reduces time and money costs: from laboratories to operating rooms.
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High resolution printed physical models are widely used in digital sculpting, 3D character modeling and prop making. 3D-printed models have been featured in animated films, video game characters, theatrical costumes, and even special effects for blockbuster films.
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Professional jewelers use the power of CAD and 3D printing to rapidly prototype, customize jewelry to customer specifications and produce large batches of blanks for casting. Digital tools allow you to create dense, highly detailed models without the tedious, error-prone production of stencils.
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Hearing professionals and hearing care labs use digital workflows and 3D printing to simplify the production of high-quality custom and hearing aids, as well as to mass-produce behind-the-ear hearing aids, hearing protectors, special earmoulds and headphones .
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Many companies are starting to use 3D printing technology through service bureaus and laboratories. Outsourcing can be a great solution when the need for 3D printing is infrequent or you need to do one-off jobs using materials that have unique properties or produce special models. Service bureaus can also provide advice on various materials and offer additional services such as design or improved finishes.
The main disadvantages of outsourcing are the high cost and duration of production. Often, outsourcing becomes a step on the way to in-house production as needs grow. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is its speed compared to traditional production methods. But it is noticeably reduced when the delivery of the model produced by the involved organization takes several days or even weeks. As demand and production capacity increase, the costs of outsourcing are rising rapidly.
With the increasing availability of industrial-quality 3D printing today, more companies are opting to immediately bring 3D printing into their facility, vertically integrating it into existing workshops or labs, or providing printers to engineers, designers, and other professionals who benefit from digital transformation. projects into physical models or are engaged in the production of products in small batches.
Compact desktop stereolithography 3D printers are an excellent solution for rapid model production.
Depending on the number of parts needed and the volume of prints, the investment in a compact 3D printer can pay for itself in just a few months. In addition, compact appliances allow you to purchase just the amount of equipment you need to run your business and scale your production by adding more units as demand grows. Using multiple 3D printers also allows you to print models from different materials at the same time. And when the need arises for the production of large parts or the use of non-standard materials, service bureaus can come to the rescue.
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High production speed is an important reason to buy a desktop 3D printer. When working with a print bureau, there are delays related to the speed of production, communication and delivery. A desktop 3D printer like the Form 3 delivers models in hours, allowing designers and engineers to print multiple parts a day.
This contributes to faster iterations and significant time savings in product development, as well as rapid testing of mechanisms and assemblies, avoiding costly tool changes.
Purchasing a desktop 3D printer saves a lot of money by eliminating bureau services and traditional processing methods, as their cost rises sharply with demand and production volumes.
For example, the production engineer and others at Pankl Racing Systems used stereolithographic 3D printing technology to produce products on a tight schedule. This allowed them to independently manufacture custom-designed jigs and other small-sized components for the production line. While stereolithography was initially viewed with skepticism, this technology proved to be an ideal solution to replace the machining of a number of tools. In one of the cases, it made it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of conductors by
By 3D printing custom-designed jigs, Pankl Racing Systems has significantly reduced both order preparation time and production costs.
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