DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printing is a resin-based process that uses a projector to cure entire layers of liquid resin at once. This makes it faster than SLA while still delivering excellent accuracy and fine details. It’s particularly well suited to small, highly detailed parts such as medical devices, micro components, and intricate prototypes.

DLP is fast, accurate, and excellent for highly detailed designs. It is particularly useful for projects where surface finish, resolution, and speed are equally important.

DLP is best for small, detailed parts rather than large models. While surface quality is excellent, parts are generally less strong than those produced with SLS or CNC machining.

DLP is widely used for applications such as microfluidics, dental and medical models, and intricate prototypes in consumer and industrial product design. Its speed and fine detail make it ideal where time-to-market is critical.

We offer a range of resins for DLP, each suited to different applications, from clear and rigid resins to those with enhanced mechanical properties. The best material will depend on whether your part needs optical clarity, strength, flexibility, or fine surface finish.

DLP and SLA are both resin-based technologies with excellent detail and surface finish, but DLP is generally faster for small parts as it cures entire layers at once. SLS, on the other hand, uses nylon powder to create stronger and more durable parts but with a slightly rougher surface finish. The best choice depends on whether speed, detail, or strength is your priority.

DLP parts can be produced with very fine resolution, with feature sizes down to around 50 microns. To achieve the best results, small features should have a minimum wall thickness of 0.5 mm, while larger sections should be at least 1 mm.

Because DLP builds upside down, each layer is cured against a clear membrane and then lifted before being recoated with resin. This process means that thicker wall sections (over 5 mm) can increase surface tension and the effects of gravity, raising the risk of print failure. To counter this, additional or stronger supports are often required, which can leave more witness marks than SLA.

In general, if a part has been designed for injection moulding, it is likely to be suitable for DLP.

Our team can provide guidance on optimising designs for DLP to achieve both strength and accuracy.

DLP parts can be supplied as-built or finished in-house. Finishing options include hand-sanding, painting, lacquering, and detailing to enhance appearance or functionality.

DLP parts are typically used for prototypes and detailed models, but some resins are suitable for short-term functional testing. For more durable, load-bearing parts, SLS or CNC machining may be more appropriate.

Yes. DLP is often used for producing small batches of components, particularly where detail, accuracy, and speed are important.