3D Printing Service:
Stereolithography
Parts in 1 to 3 days.
Stereolithography (SLA) is used for:
- High Resolution/High Detailed Parts
- Large Models, Prototypes, and Master Patterns
- Complex Geometries
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, & ITAR Registered
* Not all locations have all certifications and registrations. Parts requiring these will be made at facilities with the correct certifications and registrations.
Our Digital Manufacturing Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team starts production after finalizing project specifications and accepting the quote with you.
When the part has been completed and finished, it passes through quality control.
After your part goes through quality control, our team ships the part(s) to you.
What is Stereolithography?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an advanced additive manufacturing process that utilizes a precise laser to cure photopolymer resins, ultimately creating detailed 3D objects. The laser meticulously traces the object’s cross-sections on a liquid resin vat, solidifying the material layer by layer. Consequently, this technique produces highly detailed parts with exceptional surface finishes. SLA technology has revolutionized the production of complex components in various industries, offering precision and customization for specialized parts. Due to its layer-by-layer approach using a UV light, SLA is ideal for prototyping and manufacturing in the aerospace, medical, automotive, and consumer goods sectors.
How does Stereolithography work?
To begin this industrial 3D printing process, our Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technicians will upload your CAD file to the SLA printer. Subsequently, the software breaks down the file layer by layer. The technicians carefully consider the orientation of the part and the placement of supports when setting up the part. The Stereolithography printer uses an ultraviolet laser to draw each layer of the part onto the surface of the liquid resin tank. After each laser pass, the build platform moves down, and a bar moves across the surface to recoat the platform. Subsequently, this process repeats until the build is complete.
After finishing the print, the AM Technician removes the platform from the stereolithography printer, and the parts are manually removed and cleaned using solvents. Following this, the parts undergo a UV curing cycle to solidify the outer surface of the component. Finally, the components go to the finishing department.
Advantages to Stereolithography
Stereolithography technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of stereolithography:
- Isotropic end-use parts and prototypes.
- Large build envelope.
- High detail/high resolution
- Parts can be made very fast.
Disadvantages to Stereolithography
While there are a lot of advantages to stereolithography, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Supports are need, build orientation must be considered.
- Parts are photosensitive and not suitable for outdoor applications.
Stereolithography at Prototek
Stereolithography Machine Companies:
3D Systems, Stratasys
Stereolithography File Types:
Preferred Files: Solid, STEP, and DFX
Max Build Chamber Area:
31 x 31 x 23 in
Lead Time:
1 – 3 Days
Materials:
3D Systems Accura®: 25, 60, ClearVue, ABS Black, AMX Rigid Black, AMX Tough FR V0 Black, SL 5530, Xtreme, Xtreme White 200
DSM Somos®: BioClear, EvoLVe, PerFORM, ProtoTherm, Taurus, WaterClear Ultra 10122, WaterShed Black, WaterShed XC 11222
Tolerances:
± 0.005 in for the first inch and ± 0.0015 in/in for each additional inch
Layer Thickness:
The normal resolution layer thickness is 0.004 in, and the minimum feature size is 0.012 in.
The high-resolution layer thickness is 0.002 in, and the minimum feature size is 0.006 in (feature size depends on geometry).
Prototek's Materials
Accura® 25
Accura® 25 is fast and easy to process, effectively simulating the properties and aesthetics of polypropylene. Additionally, it offers high flexibility, durability, and precision.
Tensile Strength
5,540 – 5,570 psi
Tensile Modulus
230 – 240 ksi
Elongation @ Break
13 – 20%
Flexural Strength
7,960 – 8,410 psi
Flexural Modulus
200 – 240 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
124° – 131° F
Accura® 60
Accura® 60 is a high-quality, high-performance clear/translucent plastic for SLA. Its unique properties make it perfect for producing solid and rigid parts with the appearance of molded polycarbonate.
Tensile Strength
8,410 – 9,860 psi
Tensile Modulus
390 – 450 ksi
Elongation @ Break
5 – 13%
Flexural Strength
12,620 – 14,650 psi
Flexural Modulus
392 – 435 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
118° – 122° F
Accura® ClearVue
Accura® ClearVue is a high-quality material known for its exceptional clarity, making it perfect for applications requiring visual appeal.
Tensile Strength
6,700 – 7,700 psi
Tensile Modulus
329 – 383 ksi
Elongation @ Break
3 – 15%
Flexural Strength
10,400 – 12,200 psi
Flexural Modulus
287 – 335 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
122° F
Accura® ABS Black
Accura® ABS Black is a multi-purpose stereolithography material offering a balanced property profile, good flexibility, shock absorption, and the possibility of printing tiny structures with a high level of detail.
Tensile Strength
6,525 – 6,815 psi
Tensile Modulus
274 – 354 ksi
Elongation @ Break
6 – 13%
Flexural Strength
10,875 – 11,310 psi
Flexural Modulus
328 – 344 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
N/A
Accura® AMX Rigid Black
Accura® AMX Rigid Black is a high-performance SLA photopolymer resin designed for additive manufacturing applications. Its unique formulation provides superior mechanical properties.
Tensile Strength
7,600 psi
Tensile Modulus
310 ksi
Elongation @ Break
24%
Flexural Strength
12,800 psi
Flexural Modulus
340 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
125° F
Accura® AMX Tough FR V0 Black
Accura® AMX Tough FR V0 Black is noteworthy for being the industry’s first flame-retardant stereolithography material. This makes it ideal for applications where fire safety is paramount. Moreover, the material boasts exceptional toughness and durability, making it suitable for producing high-quality parts that withstand demanding conditions.
Tensile Strength
4,800 psi
Tensile Modulus
190 ksi
Elongation @ Break
35.5%
Flexural Strength
5,500 psi
Flexural Modulus
150 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
117° F
Accura® SL 5530
Accura® SL 5530 is perfect for creating durable, functional pieces that are solid and stable. Additionally, its translucent color makes post-processing and finishing easier.
Tensile Strength
8,267 – 9,137 psi
Tensile Modulus
414 – 454 ksi
Elongation @ Break
2.7 – 4.4%
Flexural Strength
15,809 – 17,405 psi
Flexural Modulus
431 – 492 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
133° F
Accura® Xtreme
Accura® Xtreme is a high-performance, rigid photopolymer material with excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, its unique blend of acrylate monomers and oligomers gives it superior toughness and impact resistance.
Tensile Strength
5,500 – 6,380 psi
Tensile Modulus
260 – 287 ksi
Elongation @ Break
14 – 22%
Flexural Strength
7,540 – 10,300 psi
Flexural Modulus
220 – 300 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
129° F
Accura® Xtreme White 200
Accura® Xtreme White 200 is a durable and inflexible SLA material recognized for its high precision and capability to capture intricate details. It is perfect for producing models, prototypes, and end-use parts.
Tensile Strength
6,530 – 7,250 psi
Tensile Modulus
334 – 381 ksi
Elongation @ Break
7 – 20%
Flexural Strength
10,880 – 11,460 psi
Flexural Modulus
341 – 370 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
108° F
Somos® BioClear
Somos® BioClear is an advanced engineered resin that produces precise, functional prototypes and parts. It is also clear and colorless, capable of producing parts with exceptional clarity, smooth surface finish, and high fidelity.
Tensile Strength
7,300 psi
Tensile Modulus
N/A
Elongation @ Break
15.5%
Flexural Strength
10,000 psi
Flexural Modulus
320 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
120° F
Somos® EvoLVe 128
Somos® EvoLVe 128 offers higher stiffness and strength than other existing SLA materials. Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional moisture resistance, making it an ideal material for parts exposed to humid or wet environments.
Tensile Strength
8,200 psi
Tensile Modulus
430 ksi
Elongation @ Break
11%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
385 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
121° F
Somos® PerFORM
Somos® PerFORM is a top-performing material perfect for applications requiring high strength, durability, and precision. It is mainly used in industries such as aerospace or the medical field. It is composed of a unique blend of liquid resins and composite particles, offering a combination of stiffness and toughness. This material effectively withstands high-stress environments.
Tensile Strength
9,900 psi
Tensile Modulus
1,530 ksi
Elongation @ Break
1.1%
Flexural Strength
17,400 psi
Flexural Modulus
1,450 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
180° F
Somos® ProtoTherm
Somos® ProtoTherm offers exceptional accuracy, detail, and thermal resistance for various additive manufacturing applications. Its strong properties make it an excellent option for functional prototypes.
Tensile Strength
10.2 ksi
Tensile Modulus
511 ksi
Elongation @ Break
4%
Flexural Strength
15.8 ksi
Flexural Modulus
482 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
125° F
Somos® Taurus
Somos® Taurus is a thermoplastic resin known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it a popular choice for applications that require high performance, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical.
Tensile Strength
6.8 ksi
Tensile Modulus
335 ksi
Elongation @ Break
24%
Flexural Strength
10.7 ksi
Flexural Modulus
298 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
122° F
Somos® WaterClear Ultra 10122
Somos® WaterClear Ultra 10122 is a durable, translucent SLA photopolymer that can produce high-quality parts with excellent accuracy and detail. The material is ideal for functional prototyping, creating models, and producing finished products with complex geometries.
Tensile Strength
8.1 ksi
Tensile Modulus
418 ksi
Elongation @ Break
7.5%
Flexural Strength
12.2 ksi
Flexural Modulus
361 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
122° F
Somos® WaterShed Black
Somos® WaterShed Black provides exceptional thermal stability, durability, and strength. It is ideal for producing solid and stable parts for various applications. Moreover, with its advanced properties, this resin can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions while maintaining its structural integrity.
Tensile Strength
7.3 ksi
Tensile Modulus
402 ksi
Elongation @ Break
15.5%
Flexural Strength
10 ksi
Flexural Modulus
320 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
120° F
Somos® WaterShed XC 11122
Somos® WaterShed XC 11122 durable and high-performance photopolymer resin combines mechanical strength, toughness, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for applications that require accurate and complex geometries. Additionally, it is suitable for a wide range of manufacturing needs.
Tensile Strength
7.3 ksi
Tensile Modulus
403 ksi
Elongation @ Break
15.5%
Flexural Strength
10 ksi
Flexural Modulus
320 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
120° F
*Special processing may be required. Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.
Design Recommendations
Stereolithography, called SLA, is an additive manufacturing technology that offers exceptional design accuracy and provides detailed and smooth parts. With SLA, designers need to consider several important factors when designing parts that can ensure the success of their project. One of the most crucial factors when working with this technology is the support structures required for stability and prosperous production. Additionally, part orientation is critical to your final product’s strength and quality. Another significant aspect to consider is creating designs with high resolution and intricate details, which can help maximize the smoothness of your SLA printed model. Finally, it’s essential to choose suitable materials based on the desired properties of your final product, which can contribute significantly to the overall success of your project.
| Feature | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
0.03 in |
|
|
Escape Holes |
0.04 in |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 0.016 in |
|
|
Holes & Openings |
0.02 in |
|
|
Horizontal Spans |
0.08 in |
|
|
Minimum Features |
0.008 in |
|
|
Pin Diameter |
0.03 in |
|
|
Supports & Overhangs |
Base Supports Otherwise 45° |
|
|
Walls (Supported) |
0.02 in |
|
|
Walls (Unsupported) |
0.04 in |
| Feature | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
0.7 mm |
|
|
Escape Holes |
1 mm |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 0.4 mm |
|
|
Holes & Openings |
0.5 mm |
|
|
Horizontal Spans |
2 mm |
|
|
Minimum Features |
0.2 mm |
|
|
Pin Diameter |
0.7 mm |
|
|
Supports & Overhangs |
Base Support Otherwise 45° |
|
|
Walls (Supported) |
0.5 mm |
|
|
Walls (Unsupported) |
1 mm |
Stereolithography Finishes
At Prototek Digital Manufacturing, we offer diverse cutting-edge stereolithography finishes to meet your exact specifications. Our advanced additive manufacturing technologies deliver top-notch, long-lasting components with unparalleled surface finishes and exceptional quality. We understand the importance of precision and excellence in manufacturing, and our team is committed to providing you with finished products that meet the highest standards.
Stereolithography Finishes
| Level | Process |
|---|---|
|
Natural |
Support faces are sanded, and layer lines are visible. |
|
Standard |
Support faces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a matte/opaque finish with some layer lines visible (black will appear grey). |
|
Improved Exterior |
Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish. |
|
Improved All |
All accessible surfaces are sanded, and the entire part is bead-blasted for a smooth matte finish. |
|
Clear |
Natural finish with clear coat. The layer lines are still visible. |
|
Improved Clear |
All accessible surfaces are sanded smooth with a clear coat for optimal clarity on transparent materials. |
|
Primed Exterior |
Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey. |
|
Primed All |
All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, and primed grey. |
|
Painted |
All accessible surfaces are sanded, bead-blasted, primed, and painted (provide a drawing with your paint specifications). |
|
Custom |
Custom finish. Let us know if your project requires special finishing. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form. |
Learn More About SLA
Through our resources, you can discover the complexities of SLA 3D printing and gain insights into creating top-notch designs specifically tailored for this cutting-edge technology.
Ford and RTR Vehicles drive performance with functional testing for their collaborative project, the electric Switchgear, with Prototek’s SLA.
A comparison of AM photopolymer technologies stereolithography, digital light processing, and hybrid photosynthesis.
Prototek's
Other Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Why choose Prototek for your next stereolithography project?
Prototek is the perfect choice for stereolithography due to its vast experience in rapid prototyping and advanced technology for creating accurate stereolithography printed models and functional parts. The company adheres to strict ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality management standards, ensuring reliable models for the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. Prototek’s experienced team also guides the design and prototyping process to ensure accuracy, function, and aesthetic appeal. Trust Prototek for high-quality Stereolithography services that turn ideas into reality with precision.
