Stereolithography (SLA) is the original 3D printing process still widely used today for its accuracy and speed. SL is often used for prototypes, large concept models, form and fit models, investment casting patterns and master patterns.
Stereolithography builds parts with a precise UV laser to cure and solidify thin layers of a photo-reactive resin.
Post-build, SL parts require some support material removal and UV curing, as well as hand finishing or other requested post-processing.
The design freedom and speed of Stereolithography makes design changes, iteration and validation easier than ever allowing you to get to market faster.
Stereolithography can create high dimensional accuracy parts with intricate designs and smooth surfaces. It also allows us to print watertight components in clear materials making it easy to test fluid flow found in product designs.
At Stratasys Direct we can build extremely light, large-scale parts in record time with our exclusive hollow build method. ID-Light is ideal for nonstructural appearance models. These parts build faster, weighs less and costs less than solid SL models. They also have a better as-built surface than 10-20 pound foam. Contact an engineer now to learn more.
Our wide range of Stereolithography photopolymers serve our customer’s requirements, from clear to strong, rigid plastics to special formulas for investment casting patterns.
Our finishing expertise take your 3D printed prototype and transforms it into a replica of your finished product. Any surface look is achievable with our expert finishers.
Custom finishing, texture, color, artwork, EMI/RFI shielding, plating and other functional coatings can bring additional value to prototyping and models.
Look to SL for excellent dimensional tolerances, smooth surfaces and fine feature details. Mimic properties of ABS, polycarbonate and polypropylene in layers as low as 0.002”.
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| Highly accurate and good for most quick delivery prototyping applications |
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| A clear and colorless material suited for lenses and see-through covers |
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| Produces highly detailed parts with great clarity and water-resistance |
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| Higher impact resistance than standard SL resins; Moisture resistance |
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| Custom formulation ideal for low cost investment casting patterns |
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Evaluate your design with a physical model and get to market faster with SL.
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Build light-weight, cosmetic versions of your product with our hollow build method.
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Our proprietary photopolymer and build style produces consistent patterns with better burnout.
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Ready to make your part with SL? Contact an expert to get your project started.
Contact an EngineerNeed some assistance with your 3D design? Our design services team offers a suite of solutions, including file creation and file repair.
Get Design ServicesWant to compare SL material properties? Use our material wizard to find out which materials meet your part's requirements.
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Stereolithography Design Tips
Download our short Stereolithography Design Tips PDF to learn how this technology can be the solution for you.Download our short Stereolithography Design Tips PDF to learn how this technology can be the solution for you.
Download Design Tips
Printing Hearts
Doctors at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute utilize SL to recreate accurate models of their patients’ hearts before performing surgery.Doctors at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute utilize SL to recreate accurate models of their patients’ hearts before performing surgery.
Read Case Study
3D Printing and Foundries
More than 20 years with experience has led us to develop key solutions for our foundry customers.More than 20 years with experience has led us to develop key solutions for our foundry customers.
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Stereolithography is ideal for parts with small features that require tighter dimensional tolerances and smooth finishes. SL is ideal for small to large prototypes.
Stereolithography is available in a variety of resolutions. At its finest resolution, the layer thickness is 0.002” and the X/Y resolution is 0.005”.
We recommend a minimum wall thickness of 1.5mm or 0.06” as smaller walls may not hold up when it comes to support removal or media blasting.
Stereolithography is not generally considered suitable for production applications because the photo-reactive resins used in the process do not remain stable under long exposure to UV light.
However, SL is often used to make precise investment casting patterns to create end-use metal parts.
