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stereolithography sla 3d printing

Table of Contents

What is Stereolithography?

Stereolithography (SL), also known as SLA, uses ultraviolet-sensitive liquid resins (photopolymers) that are instantly cured when activated by a UV laser. Then the parts are post-processed with additional UV and thermal treatments when necessary.

Stereolithography is a speedy and highly accurate process commonly used 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.

How does Stereolithography work?

Our AM Technicians upload your CAD file into the machine, and the software breaks it down layer by layer. The AM Technicians consider the direction of the build and the placement of the supports when they set up the part. The Stereolithography machine uses an ultraviolet laser to draw each layer of the part onto the surface of the liquid thermoset resin. After each laser pass, the build platform moves down, and a bar moves across the surface, recoating the platform. This step repeats until the build is complete.

Once finished, the AM Technician removes the platform from the machine, and the parts are manually removed and cleaned using solvents. From there, parts get cured using a UV cycle to solidify the outer surface of the component. Then the components go to the finishing department.

stereolithography sla 3d printing

Ideal applications for Stereolithography

Stereolithography resins yield highly accurate components with excellent surface finishes. 

Form, Fit, and Concept Models

Functional Prototypes

Master Patterns

Complex Geometries

Wind Tunnel Testing

Part Consolidation

Clear/Translucent Parts

Under The Hood Components

Jigs and Fixtures

Cast Urethane Molds

Stereolithography at Midwest Prototyping

OEM:

3D Systems, Stratasys

Max Build Area:

31 x 31 x 23 in

Lead Time:

1 – 2 Days

Material:

3D Systems Accura: 25, 60, SL 5530, ABS Black, AMX Rigid Black, Xtreme, Xtreme White 200

DSM Somos®: BioClear, EvoLVe, PerFORM, Taurus, WaterClear Ultra 10122, WaterShed Black, WaterShed XC 11222

Tolerances:

± .005 in for the first inch and ± .0015 in for each additional inch

Layer Thickness:

The normal resolution layer thickness is .004 in, and the minimum feature size is .012 in.

The high-resolution layer thickness is .002 in, and the minimum feature size is .006 in (feature size is dependent on geometry).

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Stereolithography materials at Midwest Prototyping

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

Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet

Accura® 60 is a clear/translucent plastic that produces rigid and robust parts with the aesthetics of molded polycarbonate.

  • Clear/ Translucent
  • High Resolution/High Detail
  • Rigid

Accura® SL 5530 is a transparent high-temperature polycarbonate-like material that can withstand water and solvents.

  • Translucent Amber (Amber with Thermal Post Cure)
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Heat Resistant ​
  • High Detail/High Resolution
  • High Strength
  • Moisture Resistant
  • 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® AMX Rigid Black is an industrial resin with production-grade mechanical properties. 

  • Black
  • High Strength
  • High Resolution/High Detail
  • Rigid
  • UV Stability
  • Good For Snap Fits
  • Biocompatible*
  • Moisture 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® BioClear creates translucent and accurate surgical guides and models to prepare for surgical procedures.

  • Clear/Translucent
  • High Strength
  • High Resolution/High Detail
  • Biocompatible*
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Moisture Resistant

Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet

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
  • Heat Resistant

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 11122 creates optically clear parts with smooth finishes.

  • Clear/ Translucent
  • High Resolution/High Detail
  • Rigid

*Special processing may be required. Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.

Compare Materials

Designing parts for Stereolithography at Midwest Prototyping.

Feature

Measurement 

Supported Walls

.02 in

Unsupported Walls

.04 in

Supports & Overhangs

Base Support Otherwise 45 Degrees

Embossing & Engraving

Width: .016 in, Height/Depth: .016 in

Horizontal Spans

.08 in

Holes & Openings

.02 in

Connecting & Moving Parts

.03 in

Escape Holes

.04 in

Minimum Features

.008 in

Pin Diameter

.03 in

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Finishing Levels at Midwest Prototyping

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.

Stratasys Machines

Steve Grundall, the MWP President, and Ben Bollig, the SLA Lead at MWP, discuss our large format Stratasys machines, stereolithography applications, and a few industries that use stereolithography. 

Midwest-Prototyping-Logo-combo-white.

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