Know your 3D printing technology: Introduction to SLA
What is SLA 3D Printing?
How SLA works
SLA or Stereolithography is a form of Additive Manufacturing (AM) also known as Resin 3D printing or Vat Photopolymerization. Lasers and projectors are used to cure liquid resin into hardened parts.
Advantages of SLA and what to expect
– Great value
– High accuracy
– Smooth surface finish
– Fast printing speeds
– Range of functional applications
How is SLA different from DLP 3D Printers?
With DLP 3D printers, the main difference is the light source. DLP 3D printers use a digital projector screen to flash an image of a layer across the entire platform, curing all points simultaneously while SLA uses a combination of lasers and lens.
SLA Vs FDM/FFF
FDM is also a great 3D printing tool when you are looking for basic functional prototyping and looking to have more choices of colors and materials. Industrial FDM can also produce some end parts and generally require some form of post processing.
On the other hand, SLA or in general resin based 3D printers can offer better appearance right off. So, when it comes to surface finish and speed of production, resin based 3D printers are generally preferred.
Both the techniques, like all techniques have both pros and cons so it really comes down to various factors such as: Time frame, Cost, Material need, application or even stage of product development, etc. to pick the right technology.
FDM vs SLA
SLA Prints
Applications:
- Engineering and Product Design: Product Development and rapid Prototyping
- Manufacturing: End products for general application. 3D printing custom tools, molds, and manufacturing aids at far lower costs and lead times.
- Dental & Medical: Providing higher consistency, accuracy, and precision at every stage of the workflow to improve patient care
- Jewellery: Prototype designs, fit clients, and produce large batches of ready-to-cast pieces. Digital tools allow for the creation of consistent, sharply detailed pieces without the tediousness and variability of wax carving.
- Entertainment (Models, figurines): A go to technology for creating custom models or figurines. In model making or entertainment, designers can create realistic, unique, or replicable figurines, miniatures, action figures and models.
- Education: 3D Printer is a versatile tool for immersive learning and advanced research. It can also encourage creativity.
This photo was originally published on https://www.gambody.com
Size?
With SLA, large models can be created with ease.
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We are Addify also known as Addify3D, a Hong Kong based 3D printing technology company. We actively engaged in 3D printing equipment supplies retail with our direct and partners relationships with the brands all across the world, to provide the best curated equipment for relevant market especially Hong Kong. We also provide 3D printing professional services ranging across various value added service like Rapid-prototyping, 3D modelling, consultation, product development, etc. Finally, we have in-house R&D team working with brands to develop products. We are excited to push the Hong Kong’s 3D printing market forward in many years to come!
