What is stereolithography (SLA) and how does this 3D printing process work?
Stereolithography (SLA) is a precise 3D printing process that is gaining popularity. It uses liquid photopolymer (epoxy resin), which hardens when exposed to light. A laser projects the layers of the model into the resin, and the print bed moves down until the model is finished. After printing, the model is often completely cured in an exposure chamber.
Stereolithography, also known as SLA printing, is still considered the most accurate 3D printing process and is becoming increasingly popular. However, you can find out what makes this process stand out and what advantages and disadvantages it entails in this blog post.
The starting point for SLA printing is a basin filled with liquid photopolymer (epoxy resin), whose most important property is solidification after a specific exposure time.
Using a laser, the individual layers of the model are now projected into the plastic in this basin, with its movable print bed being pulled down until the model is finished. The hardened 3D model made of epoxy plastic is removed from the bath after the SLA 3D printing process and - usually - re-exposed in an exposure chamber to completely harden it.
However, how is stereolithography (SLA) possible?
The key requirement for 3D printing using the stereolithography process is the ability of epoxy to solidify after a relatively short exposure time. The resins used here are extracts from dehydrated natural resins, which are obtained through a chemical conversion process. During the exposure time, the SLA printer applies the liquid starting material exactly in the form defined in the 3D files to the printing plate, causing this layer to solidify after a short time. Once this layer has solidified, the printing plate and the applied layer are pulled downwards and the next layer is produced in the same way. This process is then repeated until the 3D model is completely built.
What are the benefits of SLA printing?
- The result is smooth and detailed surfaces.
- The models may have high strength.
- SLA is a high-precision process that can produce highly detailed models and spare parts.
Where is stereolithography (SLA) used?
SLA is a 3D printing process that is suitable for the production of prototypes and products in small quantities, making it primarily used in industry or in model making. Some examples of SLA use cases include:
- Prototypical components
- Small components
