PSLA (Projection Stereolithography) is a resin-based 3D printing process that uses projected light to cure entire layers of material at once. This makes it faster than traditional SLA while still delivering high accuracy, smooth surface finishes and detailed parts.

PSLA and DLP both cure full layers in a single exposure, making them faster than SLA, which uses a laser to trace each layer. PSLA is designed for larger, functional parts with consistent mechanical properties, while DLP is often used for smaller, highly detailed components. SLA remains a strong choice for fine detail and surface finish, but PSLA offers a balance of speed, accuracy and part strength.

PSLA combines speed, accuracy and material performance, offering:

• High dimensional accuracy
• Excellent surface finish
• Strong, durable parts
• Faster production compared to traditional SLA

This makes it ideal for projects that need both quality and quick turnaround.

PSLA is well suited to functional prototypes, product development models, enclosures, housings and design verification parts. It is also used for short production runs and bridge manufacturing ahead of injection moulding.

Yes. PSLA produces strong, stable parts using engineering-grade resin, making it suitable for functional prototypes, assemblies and short-term end-use applications. It is particularly useful where both mechanical performance and surface finish are important.

We use Matrix PB10 (Figure 4 PRO-BLK 10), an engineering resin that produces strong black parts with excellent surface finish and dimensional stability. It is well suited to functional prototypes and detailed engineering components such as housings, brackets and connectors.

PSLA is capable of producing detailed and accurate parts, but for best results we recommend:

• Minimum wall thickness of around 0.5 mm for small features and 1 mm for larger sections
• Avoiding overly thick solid areas where possible, as this can affect print stability
• Considering support structures, which are removed during post-processing

Our team can advise on design optimisation to ensure accuracy, strength and surface quality.

PSLA parts are produced with a smooth surface finish as standard. Additional finishing options such as sanding, painting and cosmetic detailing are available to meet specific aesthetic or functional requirements.

Our PSLA 270 machine offers a build volume of 242 x 265 x 300 mm, allowing us to produce a wide range of functional prototypes, housings and engineering components in a single build.

Yes. PSLA is ideal for short production runs and bridge manufacturing. It allows you to produce consistent, high-quality parts quickly, without the need for tooling.

PSLA is a faster, more flexible option for prototyping and low-volume production, as it does not require tooling. Injection moulding is more cost-effective for higher volumes, but PSLA is often used beforehand to validate designs and produce parts for testing or early market use.

Yes. PSLA is well suited to bridge manufacturing, allowing you to produce functional parts while tooling for injection moulding is being developed. This helps reduce time to market and supports product validation.

Yes. We frequently work with clients on pre-market products and are happy to sign NDAs to protect your project.