What is SLA 3D printing?

SLA (Stereolithography) is a high-precision 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser or light projector to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, resulting in parts with exceptional detail and accuracy. As one of the earliest forms of additive manufacturing, SLA is renowned for its ability to produce smooth surface finishes, fine features, and tight tolerances that other technologies struggle to achieve. The precision of SLA makes it ideal for intricate designs, complex geometries, and components requiring high dimensional accuracy.

Because of its reliability and superior surface quality, SLA is widely used across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, consumer products, and engineering. Whether for functional prototypes, aesthetic models, or production-grade components, SLA delivers outstanding resolution and consistent part quality. Its ability to reproduce micro-details, thin walls, and highly accurate fits makes SLA one of the most versatile and powerful additive manufacturing technologies available today.

Key Aspects of SLA 3D Printing

• High-resolution printing with layer thicknesses as low as 25–100 microns
• Smooth surface finish and fine detailing, ideal for intricate designs
• Accuracy and repeatability across multiple builds
• Supports complex geometries and thin-walled structures
• Minimal post-processing compared to other technologies
• Material versatility for engineering, dental, and medical applications

How does SLA printing work?

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing builds parts by curing liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer with a high-precision light source. The process begins with a 3D CAD model, which is sliced into extremely thin horizontal layers. These slices guide the printer on where to solidify the resin to form each successive layer of the part.

The build platform is then lowered into a vat filled with liquid photopolymer resin. A UV laser or digital light projector selectively illuminates the resin according to the current slice of the model. The exposed regions undergo photopolymerization, a chemical reaction that hardens the liquid resin into a solid. Areas not exposed to light remain liquid, ensuring that only the desired geometry is created.

After a layer is cured, the build platform raises slightly, allowing a fresh layer of resin to flow over the previous layer. This ensures uniform coverage and consistent layer thickness. The process repeats layer by layer, gradually building the part from the bottom up with high precision and fine feature detail.

Once printing is complete, the part is carefully removed from the vat and washed to remove any uncured resin, typically using isopropyl alcohol. Finally, the part undergoes post-curing under UV light, which fully solidifies the polymer and enhances its mechanical strength, stability, and chemical resistance, resulting in a finished component ready for functional use or further post-processing.

Types of materials used in SLA 3D printing

• Standard Resins: High detail and smooth finish, suitable for prototypes and concept models.
• Engineering Resins: Strong, durable, heat-resistant, and ideal for functional testing and mechanical parts.
• Flexible and Rubber-Like Resins: Elastic materials for flexible prototypes and soft-touch components.
• Castable Resins: Special resins used for investment casting in jewelry or dental applications.
• Dental and Biocompatible Resins: Suitable for medical models, surgical guides, and prosthetics.

SLA 3D printing capabilities

• Maximum Build Size: 500 mm x 500mm x 500mm
• Standard Lead Time: 4 Business Days
• Dimensional Accuracy: ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.127 mm
• Layer Height: 50-100 μm

Design Guidelines for SLA

• Unsupported walls: 1 mm
• Supported walls: 0.5 mm
• Minimum feature size: 0.2mm
• Minimum hole diameter: 0.5 mm

Benefits of SLA 3D Printing

• High Resolution: SLA 3D printing produces parts with exceptional detail and accuracy, making it ideal for applications requiring fine features.
• Smooth Surface Finish: SLA parts exhibit a smooth surface finish, reducing post-processing requirements.
• Complex Geometries: SLA enables the creation of intricate designs and complex geometries, allowing for innovative product development.
• Prototyping: SLA is suitable for rapid prototyping, enabling designers and engineers to test and iterate on product designs.

Applications of SLA 3D Printing

• Product Design: SLA is ideal for creating prototypes and models for product design and development.
• Dental and Medical: SLA is used in dental and medical applications, such as creating custom implants, models, and guides.
• Jewelry and Accessories: SLA enables the production of intricate jewelry and accessories with complex geometries.
• Industrial Design: SLA is used in industrial design applications, such as creating prototypes and models for product development.

At RA Global Tech Solutions, we have the expertise and experience to leverage SLA 3D printing for your business needs. Our team will work closely with you to:

• Design and Optimize: Optimize your designs for SLA 3D printing, ensuring the best possible results.
• Production: Utilize our state-of-the-art SLA 3D printing equipment to produce high-quality parts.
• Post-Processing: Provide optional post-processing services to enhance the appearance and functionality of your parts.

SLA 3D printing offers a range of benefits, from high resolution to complex geometries. At RA Global Tech Solutions, we're committed to harnessing the power of SLA 3D printing to drive innovation and growth. Contact us today to learn more about how SLA 3D printing can benefit your business.

We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report that is shipped with every order.

UPLOAD your design for an Instant Quote (acceptable file types are .stl, .step, and .x_T).

Frequently Asked Questions