What is stereolithography?
Stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping is a 3D Printing technology used for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing. It is one of the most popular and versatile technologies we offer and can be used to produce concept models, one-off presentation models and masters for use in Vacuum Casting.
SLA Machines
We have a suite of eight 3D Systems SLA machines.
- 4 x Projet 6000: 250x250x250 (Accura Xtreme – Accura 25 – Accura ClearVue)
- 1 x Projet 7000: 380x380x250 (Accura Xtreme)
- 1 x Viper: 250x250x250 (Accura Clearvue or Somos Watershed)
- 1 x 3500: 350x350x400 (Accura Xtreme)
- 1 x 5000: 508x508x534 (Somos Watershed)
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. The 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)
When to Use Stereolithography
Stereolithography 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
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.
Medical device – technical details
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 we use is:
- 3D Systems Accura ClearVue
Our in-house SLA prototyping facilities
We operate 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).
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
We offer a wide range of Stereolithography materials to deliver specific properties and characteristics. If you require a property for your part that is not shown please ask.
Dispatch service levels
We offer a range of service levels for 3D Printing and CNC Machining.
We never compromise on quality, so these service levels are designed to help you meet tight timescales or economy budgets.
Finishing options
We offer a range of finishing options on 3D printed parts. Please visit our Finishing page for more information.
Take the tour
We encourage our customers to visit our prototyping bureau in Royston so we can show our full range of services and answer any questions you may have about your next project. If you would like to arrange a tour, please contact us.
Request a quote
Next day dispatch: we offer a next day dispatch service for SLA, SLS, FDM, Polyjet and Figure 4 3D printed parts. All final data for our Express Service Level is required by 4.30pm to guarantee next working day dispatch.
Other service levels: we also offer Standard (3-day dispatch) and Economy (8-day dispatch) service levels.
Quote requests: we process all quote requests and orders between 8.00am and 5.00pm on business days. Quote requests received between 8.00am and 4.00pm are usually responded to on the same day. This does, however, depend on the complexity of the requirement. Quote requests received after 4.00pm will be responded to on the following business day.
Express service level: for CNC Machined parts for dispatch in 3 working days, subject to criteria. All final data for our Express Service Level is required by 4.30pm to guarantee dispatch in 3 working days.
Other service levels: we also offer Standard (7-day dispatch) and Economy (12-day dispatch) service levels.
Quote requests: we process all quote requests and orders between 8.00am and 5.00pm on business days. Quote requests received between 8.00am and 4.00pm are usually responded to on the same day. This does, however, depend on the complexity of the requirement. Quote requests received after 4.00pm will be responded to on the following business day.
To request a quote for any of our other technologies/services, such as Vacuum Casting, Model Making and Laser Cutting, please complete this contact form.
