What is stereolithography (SLA Rapid Prototyping)?

Stereolithography (SLA rapid prototyping) is a 3D Printing technology used for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.

SLA prototyping is one of the most popular and versatile technologies offered by Prototype Projects and can be used to produce concept models, one-off presentation models and masters for use in Vacuum Casting.

A choice of delivery and finishing options are available on our SLA prototyping service.

Prototype Projects in-house SLA prototyping facilities

Prototype Projects operates a suite of SLA rapid prototyping machines (one of which is dedicated to medical device prototyping) working round the clock, giving us the capacity to produce parts quickly and cost effectively with no compromise on build quality.

That means we can fulfil most SLA requirements rapidly, to very tight deadlines, with many jobs being dispatched next day (depending on exact requirements).

Download our SLA rapid prototyping datasheet

SLA Technical Details – Projet Machines

We run the very latest SLA Projet machines from 3D Systems. Our suite is comprised of four Projet 6000’s and a Projet 7000.

The Projets use an Ultra High Definition build mode, delivering fine feature parts via a dual spot laser, as standard. The terms ‘Normal Res’ and ‘Hi Res’, therefore, are no longer relevant for 99% of builds. The dual spot intelligent scanning laser is adjusted automatically to suit the geometry being printed. This now applies to the whole bed size:

• Projet 6000: 250x250x250
• Projet 7000: 380x380x250

Both machines deliver fine point scanning for borders and small features and, broader scanning for infill hatching for each layer (slice):

• Fine feature: down to 75 μm (0.003 in)
• Larger feature: 750 μm (0.030 in)

We still use the same great range of materials: Accura Xtreme, 25, Phoenix and ClearVue.

SLA Technical Details – Medical Device Prototyping

Our dedicated medical device SLA machine is housed in a segregated area of our 3D printing suite.

The material we use in our dedicated medical devices area complies with USP Class VI certifications. The material used by Prototype Projects is:

• 3D Systems Accura ClearVue

Stereolithography Process

SLA prototyping is a 3D printing process used in rapid prototyping, and is typically used early in the product development process as concept or one-off presentation models and masters.

It produces parts with good quality smooth surface finish, excellent optical clarity, high accuracy and thin, straight, vertical walls.

The range of materials that can be used allows for a range of tolerances and property resilience.

When to Use Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SLA) is ideal for low or single run production of prototype parts for concept models, presentation models or tooling masters that are required quickly and cost effectively.

Depending on the exact requirement, parts can typically be produced overnight for next day dispatch.

Pre-production applications for which SLA is ideal include:

• Concept models
• Presentation models
• Investment castings
• Master patterns

Stereolithography Process Benefits

In the overall product design and development cycle, SLA rapid prototyping is a vital process for helping you get your products to market fast.

Speed: SLA is one of the most popular prototyping processes among product designers and design engineers as it enables them to get their designs off the drawing board and on to the table quickly. Depending on exact specifications, SLA models can be turned around overnight

Cost effective small numbers: Single parts can be produced quickly and easily

Tight tolerances: parts can be produced to very specific requirements

Broad range of part properties:

• High-temperature resistance
• Moisture resistant
• Clear, white or translucent; colour finishing available
• High level of feature complexity
• Excellent surface finish
• Range of model sizes

Materials Offered

Prototype Projects offers a wide range of SLA materials to deliver specific properties and characteristics. If you require a property for your part that is not shown please ask.

SLA Datasheet downloads

Accura ClearVue

Accura 25

Accura Xtreme

SLA datasheet

Service levels and dispatch methods

We offer four service levels for 3D printed parts:

Visit our Service Levels page for more information.