SLA / SL (Stereolithography) is a 3D printing technology in which UV curing resin is cured by a laser beam. 3D printing in SLA technology has a wide range of applications e.g. in automotive sector, biotechnology, medicine and jewelry. The SLA is popular owing to a wide variety of physical and chemical properties of the materials used with the technology.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY - SLA
Layer-by-layer building from light-curing resins
* Minimum order value is PLN 149 net
HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK WITH SLA TECHNOLOGY?
SLA 3D printing involves layer-by-layer curing of a photopolymer i.e. resin, using a source of light of a specific wavelength. The printing material in the form of liquid resin is in the resin tank. Before each layer is cured, the sweeper goes across the build platform to even the surface of the liquid and remove the air bubbles. The last step in SLA 3D printing is the so-called scanning i.e. laser curing. Laser beam scans areas which correspond to the current cross-section of a given model, resulting in their polymerization (curing). Then the build platform descends (or ascends, depending on the SLA machine used) by the layer thickness and the process repeats until the desired final geometry is achieved. The use of polymer and precise scanning system produce remarkable mechanical properties of low anisotropy (the influence of build direction). SLA technology is used in discrete or short-run manufacturing. Stereolithography can be used to manufacture fully transparent items which additionally makes it stand out against other additive technologies. High accuracy of objects built with SLA technology makes them suitable as master models for preparing silicone casting molds used in Vacuum Casting technology. Combining SLA and Vacuum Casting eliminates the problem of high costs incurred while manufacturing low-volume batches by high-pressure injection.
1. Prepare a 3D CAD model
2. Layer-by-layer photopolymerization
3. Removing / Cutting any support structures and post curing
4. Ship / Post-process the model
SLA TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
» Concept models
» Prototype models
» Precision models
» Lost-model casting
» Patterns and prosthetic gauges
» Electronic equipment housings
» Building elements
» Semi-transparent models
SLA SPECIFICATION
SLA technology, due to the use of a liquid material and a precise laser source is characterized by:
Lead times:
Standard delivery time ranges from 2 to 5 business days; priority orders ship in 1 to 3 business days (depending on the order)
Layer thickness:
0.025 mm to 0.1 mm (depending on your needs and budget)
Minimum wall thickness:
0.4 mm to 0.6 mm (depending on the geometry type)
Finishing options:
Standard (where the support structures are removed and cleaned up); polished (additional grinding and polishing); lacquer coated (with the automotive lacquer effect)
Mechanical properties:
The tensile strength of selected materials is up to 50 MPa (isotropic properties after UV curing)
* Minimum order value:
Minimum order value refers to the value of the entire order, while the cost of fabrication of one element contained in a single order may be lower.
NOT SURE IF YOUR MODEL MEETS TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS?
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MATERIAŁY SLA
Standard resin
standard material available in 4 colors: transparent, white, black and grey. It is designed primarily for manufacturing concept models and prototypes. The material perfectly renders the shape, has an excellent strength (up to 65 MPa) and a remarkable surface quality.
ABS-like resin
resin indicated for use to manufacture elements with high strength (up to 55 MPa) and high elongation (up to 24%). Perfect for prototypes, functional parts and assemblies. As regards its mechanical properties, it is an equivalent of a popular and resistant thermoplastic called ABS. Available in one turquoise-transparent color.
PP-like resin
engineering material that imitates the properties of polypropylene. PP-like resin is suitable for prototypes and consumer products, particularly those with fasteners and tabs. Impact and large deformation resistant. It is also recommended for uses where low friction coefficient and low abrasion use is important. Available in one semi-transparent color.
Elastic resin
elastic resin for elastic elements. Its elasticity is perfect for simulating soft to touch materials. Due to its elasticity it resembles rubber (Shore’s Hardness scale – 80 A). Elongation at break for this material is up to 80%! Available in one grey color.
High-temperature resin
high temperature resin is suitable for static elements which are subjected to high temperatures. It may also be used in manufacturing processes such as casting, injection molding and thermal forming. It is extremely heat resistant (HDT, Heat Deflection Temperature under the load of 0.45 MPa is 289°C), and is among the best materials currently available on the market for 3D printing. It has a low thermal expansion coefficient and high Young’s modulus. Available in one ivory-transparent color.
Casting resin
casting resin for 3D printing in the process called lost-model casting. After sintering it leaves no ash and well reflects the contour of the mold. It is suitable for use in jewelry sector as well as in precision mechanics.
Medical/dental resin
resins with special properties for medical (particularly dental) applications. There are e.g. biocompatible materials available (compliant with the requirements: EN-ISO 10993-1:2009/AC:2010, USP Class VI), high precision and accuracy (at the level of +/- 35 um) and indicated to be used in medical products, particularly orthodontic ones (meeting the requirements for medical devices class at IIa level (up to 30 days contact with the patients) and among others, the requirement of ISO 20795-2:2013 standard).
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MORE ABOUT OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
» FDM technology
» SLS technology
» Auxiliary technologies
SAMPLE SLA MODELS
PROFESSIONAL 3D PRINTING
