Stereolithography apparatus (SLA) produces 3D printed parts by curing photopolymer resins with light. It is more accurate and produces smoother surfaces than some other 3D printing technologies, yet it is quick.
SLA parts are built layer by layer. A computer-controlled laser beam scans the surface of the resin bath, with the first cured layer being supported by the machine’s bed. After the first layer has been completed, the bed is lowered into the resin by a distance equal to the layer thickness, then the laser scans the surface to cure the next layer and fuse it to the layer beneath.
If necessary, support structures are built to prevent overhanging features from distorting during the build process. When the part is complete, the bed rises out of the resin bath to enable the part to be retrieved. Support structures are removed, the part is cleaned and any additional finishing processes applied.
SLA 3D printing is applicable to concept models, visual models, functional prototypes, masters for vacuum casting and patterns for investment casting.
Most SLA parts we produce are prototypes for components that will ultimately be injection moulded from engineering plastics.
We have a range of SLA machines, all manufactured by 3D Systems, with build volumes (XYZ mm) and material options as follows:
Ultra High Definition build mode is used as standard, with a dual-spot intelligent scanning laser: fine point scanning for borders and small features, and broader scanning for infill hatching.
For more information, download our SLA Process Guide and see our 3D printing materials page.
SLA 3D printing produces accurate parts with detailed features and excellent surface quality, as well as good strength, stiffness and dimensional stability.
Depending on the technical requirements and the material used, SLA parts are clear and opaque (in grey and cream), and resistant to elevated temperatures and moisture.
SLA parts are not porous and their material properties are essentially isotropic – which is in contrast to SLS and FDM 3D printing.
See our page about materials for 3D printing for further information.
After being taken out of the 3D printer, parts are washed, support structures and witness marks are removed where necessary, and they are inspected visually. For our Overnight production speed, parts can also be lightly bead blasted.
If customers opt for our 3, 7, or 12 day production speeds, additional finishing options include build line removal, lacquering, painting, application of a ‘soft feel’ coating to external surfaces, and a blackout/EMI/RFI coating can be applied inside. Assembly operations can be performed, such as installing threaded inserts.
See our Finishing options page to find out more.
Choose SLA when your part requires excellent surface finish, fine detail, and visual clarity. It’s ideal for concept models, enclosures, and assemblies with tight tolerances. If you need greater mechanical strength and durability, SLS might be a better fit. If you’re producing very small parts or require high-speed printing of compact geometries, DLP may be more suitable.
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, 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. Unlike PolyJet, SLA is limited to single-material builds but is more suitable for parts with greater structural integrity. Compared to DLP, SLA can produce larger parts and offers a wider choice of general-purpose resins.
SLA uses a laser to cure resin in a vat, layer by layer. It offers high resolution and excellent finish but generally requires support structures. SLS, by contrast, uses powder and doesn’t need supports, making it better for nested or interlocking parts. DLP cures resin using a projector rather than a laser, allowing faster build times for small parts, but is more limited in build size. PolyJet can print in multiple materials or colours at once, which SLA can’t do, but SLA is often chosen for mechanical strength and stability in single-material prints.
Do you need SLA 3D printed prototype parts? Talk to us about your project on 01763 249760.
Ready to get started? Get an instant quote for SLS, SLA and DLP 3D printed parts using Matrix. For all other requirements, please click here to request a quote.
Our model making and AP/AM workshop team deliver high-quality 3D printed and vacuum cast prototype parts. We offer next day dispatch on SLS, SLA, Polyjet and DLP. Request a quote for your next prototype project.
Gemma Zouher-Lewis
RP Team Leader
Jordan Cooney
RP Technician
Chris Johnson
RP Technician
Leon Willis
Workshop Assistant/Delivery Driver
Adam Sharkey
3D Print Team Leader
Alex Barnett
Senior RP Technician
Luke Webb
RP 3D Printing CAD Technician
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