3D printing with stereolithography (SLA)

SLA (stereolithography) is a resin-based 3D printing process that uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin into solid parts, layer by layer. It is one of the earliest 3D printing technologies and is known for its ability to produce high-accuracy parts with smooth surface finishes and fine detail.

SLA is widely used for models, prototypes and functional parts that require excellent detail, accuracy and surface finish. Typical applications include concept models, master patterns for vacuum casting, medical models, presentation models and functional prototypes. It’s particularly useful when fine detailing or a high-quality cosmetic finish is required.

SLA is most commonly used for prototypes and fit checks, but depending on the material, some SLA parts can be used for short-term functional testing or even low-stress end-use applications. For more demanding functional parts, especially where toughness or flexibility is needed, SLS or PolyJet may be more appropriate.

SLA is one of the most accurate 3D printing methods, capable of producing fine features and thin walls with tight tolerances. It’s well suited to complex geometries and assemblies with critical dimensions. While Micro 3D Printing offers even finer resolution (albeit at micro sizes), SLA strikes an excellent balance between accuracy, surface finish, and part size.

We offer a carefully selected range of SLA materials designed for prototyping and functional testing. These include:

Matrix Clear: Water-clear, similar properties to polycarbonate, with good moisture resistance. Can be lacquered or painted, and tapped or have inserts installed. USP Class VI capability for patient contact applications.

Matrix Cream: Cream-coloured with good flexibility, similar properties to polypropylene. Can be lacquered or painted, and tapped or have inserts installed.

Matrix Grey: Grey-coloured, similar properties to ABS. Can be lacquered or painted, and tapped or have inserts installed.

Matrix HT300: Ultra-high temperature-resistant rigid plastic engineered to withstand the harshest thermal environments.

Each resin offers different properties such as strength, heat resistance, or optical clarity; our team can help you choose the most suitable one. Compared to other technologies, SLA resins offer better surface detail but may not have the durability of SLS nylon.

To find out more about each material, visit our Materials Datasheets page.

SLA produces highly detailed parts with excellent surface finish. It’s especially useful for visual prototypes and parts with tight dimensional requirements. Compared to SLS, SLA offers smoother surfaces and sharper details. Compared to DLP, SLA can produce larger parts (especially with our SLA 750 machine) and offers a wider choice of general-purpose resins.

SLA uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers, making it excellent for highly detailed, smooth parts. Compared to SLS, which uses nylon powder to create strong and durable parts, SLA offers greater surface quality and finer detail but is generally more brittle. DLP is similar to SLA but uses a projector rather than a laser, making it faster for small, intricate parts. For functional prototypes that need strength or flexibility, SLS or CNC machining may be more suitable, while SLA remains the best choice for fine detail and visual models.

When designing for SLA, it’s important to allow for wall thicknesses of at least 0.6 mm for small features and 1 mm for larger surfaces, with additional support for delicate structures. Our SLA 750 machine enables the production of large-format parts with fine detail and smooth surfaces, making it suitable for both intricate prototypes and bigger models. Parts may require support structures during printing, which are removed during post-processing. If your design is especially large or delicate, our team can advise on adjustments to optimise print success and finish.

Yes. Our online Matrix system allows you to upload your files, get an instant quote and place your order directly for SLS 3D printed parts (as well as for SLA and DLP parts). You can also select your required production speed and finishing options, making it quick and simple to manage your projects.