Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is often considered the pioneer of the Rapid Prototyping industry with the first commercial system introduced in 1988 by 3D Systems. The system consists of an Ultra-Violet Laser, a vat of photo-curable liquid resin, and a controlling system. A platform is lowered into resin (via an elevator system), such that the surface of the platform is a layer-thickness below the surface of the resin. The Laser beam then traces the boundaries and fills in a two-dimensional cross section of the modeling, solidifying the resin wherever it touches. Once a layer is complete, the platform descends a layer thickness, resin flows over the first layer, and the next layer is built. This process continues until the model is complete. Once the model is complete, the platform rises out of the vat and excess resin is drained. The model is then removed from the platform, washed of excess resin, and then placed in a UV oven for a final curing. The model is then finished by smoothing the "stair-steps."

SLA Highlights

• Excellent for Fit and Form Testing.
• Material choices include: Flexible, Durable, Rigid, ABS-Like, WaterClear.
• Standard Tolerances 0f +/- 0.005" for the first inch, +/- 0.01" for the first inch thereafter.
• In the z height (vertical), standard tolerances of +/- 0.01" for the first inch, +/- 0.002" on every inch thereafter.
• Layer Thickness: High-Resolution:0.002" - 0.004"; Standard Resolution: 0.005" - 0.006"
• Show Quality parts via painting and texturing.
• Chrome and nickel plating provides added strangth, waterproofing, and electrical conductivity