SLA 3D printing service
Get high-performance parts for rapid prototyping and production with asia3dprinting’s SLA 3D printing service. Choose from a wide range of industrial resins, with parts ready for delivery in as fast as 1 day.
What is SLA 3D printing?
SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing is a highly precise additive manufacturing technology commonly used in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer products for producing detailed prototypes and functional parts. SLA utilizes a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, resulting in smooth surface finishes and fine feature resolution. Known for its dimensional accuracy and versatility, SLA 3D printing is ideal for creating visual models, intricate designs, and high-quality production parts. Whether for prototyping or end-use applications, SLA offers superior quality and fast turnaround times.
The cost of your 3D printed parts depends on factors such as part volume, part complexity, choice of material, which 3D printing technology is used, and if any post processing is required. For more details on these cost factors, see our article on the cost of 3D printing. To check the cost of your 3D printed part, simply upload a CAD (.STL) file and select your material and 3D printing technology to receive a quote within seconds.
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SLA 3D printer capabilities
SLA 3D printing is available in two key categories: desktop SLA for prototyping and industrial SLA for larger-scale production.
| Printer | Maximum build size | Standard lead time | Dimensional accuracy | Layer height | Minimum feature size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prototyping (desktop) SLA | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7 in x 5.7 in x 6.8 in) | From 3 business days | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | 50-100 μm | 0.2 mm |
| Industrial SLA | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68 in x 19.68 in x 19.68 in) | From 3 business days | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.13 mm (± 0.005") | 50-100 μm | 0.2 mm |
Post-processing for SLA
In its standard form, SLA 3D printing requires no additional post-processing beyond basic support removal and UV curing.
- Support Removal: Carefully remove support structures to avoid damaging the part’s surface.
- UV Curing: Parts are typically post-cured under UV light to enhance strength and stability.
- Sanding: Smooth out any visible layer lines or support marks for a cleaner finish.
- Polishing: Further refine the surface to achieve a glossy, polished appearance.
- Painting/Coating: Apply paint or coating for added aesthetics or specific surface properties, such as color or texture.
How SLA stacks up against other 3D printing technologies
| Technologies | Materials | Price | Dimensional accuracy | Strengths | Build volume | Layer thickness | Min. feature size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | 5 | $ | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm | Low cost, wide range of materials | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 100-300μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Industrial FDM | 6 | $$$$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | High level of repeatability, engineering grade materials | 406 x 355 x 406 mm (15.98” x 13.97” x 15.98") | 100-330μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Prototyping SLA | 8 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7" x 5.7" x 6.8") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| Industrial SLA | 3 | $$$ | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.13 mm (± 0.005") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details, big print area | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| SLS | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) | Design flexibility, supports not required | 395 x 500 x 395 mm (15.53" x 19.68" x 15.53") | 100μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
| MJF | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit on ± 0.3 mm (0.012’') | Design flexibility, supports not required | 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9’’ x 11.2’’ x 14.9’') | 80μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
We have high standards for SLA 3D printing
We uphold rigorous standards for SLA 3D printing, ensuring that every custom part is produced with precision and care.
- Parts are fully cured according to material manufacturer specifications before shipping.
- Hollow sections are thoroughly drained of any excess resin.
- All support material is meticulously removed, and support nibs are sanded smooth for a clean finish.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Advantages and drawbacks of SLA 3D printing
Design guidelines for SLA 3D printing
This table summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features of SLA 3D printed parts.
Read more about how to design for 3D printing
| Feature | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Unsupported walls | 1.0 mm (0.0393 in) |
| Supported walls | 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) |
| Minimum feature size | 0.2 mm (0.00787 in) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) |
| Minimum escape hole diameter | 4.0 mm (0.157 in) |
Our other 3D printing processes
With over 90 3D printing hubs, we deliver high-quality parts at competitive prices. From rapid prototyping with FDM to functional end-use parts using SLS and MJF, we guarantee premium results every time.