Stereolithography (SL)
Ultraviolet-sensitive liquid resins (photopolymers) are instantly cured when activated by a UV laser. Parts are post-processed with additional UV and thermal treatments when necessary. ***Also known as SLA
Stereolithography is an extremely fast and highly accurate process used most commonly for form and fit prototypes, master patterns, and large concept models. The combination of speed and design freedom offered by stereolithography enables rapid iteration for new product development.
Stereolithography at Midwest Prototyping
OEM:
3D Systems, RPS
Max Build Area:
31 in. x 31 in. x 23 in.
Lead Time:
1 – 2 Days
Material:
3D Systems Accura: 25, 60, ABS Black, Xtreme, Xtreme White 200
DSM Somos®: 8120, EvoLVe, PerFORM, Taurus, Waterclear Ultra 10122, Watershed Black, Watershed XC 11122
*Most common materials are listed in bold.
Tolerances:
+/- .005 in. for the first inch and +/- .0015 in. for each additional inch
Layer Thickness:
Normal resolution layer thickness is .004 in. and minimum feature size is .012 in. High resolution layer thickness is .002 in. and minimum feature size is .006 in. (feature size is dependent on geometry).
Do you have a question about your design or materials that would fit your project? Email one of our Solutions Managers.
Stereolithography Materials
Material
Description
Key Characteristics
More Information
Accura 25 looks and feels like molded polypropylene with high flexibility, shape retention, and feature resolution.
- White
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Flexible
- Durable
- Good For Snap Fits
Accura 60 looks and feels like molded polycarbonate with clear rigidity and strength.
- Clear/ Translucent
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Accura ABS Black creates strong parts with minimal finishing to replace CNC-machined or molded ABS parts.
- Black
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
- Impact Resistant
Accura Xtreme is durable and accurate and can replace CNC-machined polypropylene and ABS.
- Grey
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
- Good For Snap Fits
Accura Xtreme White 200 is durable and breakage resistant and can replace CNC-machined polypropylene and ABS.
- White
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
- Good For Snap Fits
Somos® 8120 is a high-speed liquid photopolymer that produces flexible, high-impact strength, accurate parts.
- Clear/ Translucent
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
- Good For Snap Fits
Somos® EvoLVe is a durable material that produces accurate, high-detailed parts and has been designed for easy finishing.
- White
- High Strength
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Good For Snap Fits
Somos® PerFORM produces strong, stiff, high temperature resistant composite parts.
- Off-White
- Heat Resistant
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Somos® Taurus creates accurate parts with exceptional surface quality and isotropic mechanical properties.
- Charcoal
- Heat Resistant
- High Strength
- High Resolution/High Detail
Somos® Watershed creates optically clear parts with smooth finishes.
- Clear/ Translucent
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Somos® WaterShed Black is a solution to build rigid, moisture resistant, and tough parts while eliminating the need for painting.
- Black
- Rigid
- Chemical Resistant
Somos® WaterShed XC 11122creates optically clear parts with smooth finishes.
- Clear/ Translucent
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Compare Materials
Stereolithography Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed and support faces lightly sanded
Standard finish, supported surfaces appearing dull and non-supported surfaces appearing glossy. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2
Supports removed, support faces lightly sanded, and entire part bead blasted
Even surface finish, gloss removed from non-supported surfaces to create a more consistent finish. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2 +
Supports removed, support faces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit, and entire part bead blasted
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
3
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit, and entire part bead blasted
Show quality finish, removes layer lines from cosmetic surfaces. This finish is recommended for priming, painting, and urethane mold masters.
4
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces wet sanded to 600 grit
Highest quality finish, recommended only for plating and optically clear parts.
