Maya Ellison
Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of 3D printing technology that uses light to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic. SLA resins are always based on thermosetting materials. Thermosetting plastics form cross-links during polymerization, which changes the nature of the plastics. Thermoplastics, on the other hand, are a different class of materials that form one chain of polymers and can be melted. SLA produces parts from thermoset polymers, not thermoplastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SLA Plastic Type | Thermoset |
| SLA Process | 3D printing technology |
| SLA Material | Resin |
| SLA Process Type | Vat photopolymerization, optical fabrication, photo-solidification, resin printing |
| SLA Use Case | Creating models, prototypes, patterns, production parts |
| SLA Layer Thickness | 0.01mm |
| SLA Material Properties | Soft or hard, heat-resistant, biocompatible, transparent, impact-resistant |
| SLA Mechanical Properties | Hardness, flexibility, impact resistance |
| SLA Thermal Properties | High heat deflection temperature |
| SLA Optical Properties | Optical transparency |
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What You'll Learn
- SLA is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, cured with UV light
- SLA resins are based on thermosetting materials, which form cross-links during polymerization
- SLA resins can be soft or hard, and heavily filled with secondary materials like glass or ceramic
- SLA resins can be formulated to be flame retardant or to have electrostatic discharge properties
- SLA resins are not suitable for outdoor use, as overexposure to UV radiation may alter the material properties
SLA is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, cured with UV light
Stereolithography (SLA) is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, cured with UV light. SLA is an early and widely used 3D printing technology, with the term "stereolithography" being coined in 1984 by Chuck Hull when he filed his patent for the process. SLA is a form of additive manufacturing, where a light source cures liquid resin into hardened plastic. SLA 3D printing offers the fastest speed, highest resolution and accuracy, sharpest details, and smoothest surface finishes of all 3D printing technologies.
SLA uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization. SLA resins are based on thermosetting materials, which form cross-links during polymerization. These cross-links change the nature of the plastics, making them more rigid and brittle. After curing, thermoset plastics won't melt but will burn at elevated temperatures, making molding impossible. SLA resins are exposed to certain wavelengths of light, causing short molecular chains to join together and solidify into rigid or flexible geometries.
SLA is a good choice for cosmetic parts and prototypes due to its smooth surface finishes and fine feature details. SLA materials can be soft or hard and can be filled with secondary materials like glass and ceramic. SLA resins are highly versatile, with formulations that can match the properties of standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics. SLA is not suitable for outdoor use, as the material properties may change over time with overexposure to UV radiation.
SLA is a plastic 3D printing process that differs from traditional thermoplastic injection molding in its fabrication method. SLA uses a UV-cured thermoset liquid to form layers, resulting in unique anisotropic properties and differing material properties such as tensile strength and heat deflection. SLA offers a wide range of material options and applications, making it a versatile choice for 3D printing.
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SLA resins are based on thermosetting materials, which form cross-links during polymerization
Stereolithography (SLA) is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, not a thermoplastic. SLA resins are based on thermosetting materials, which form cross-links during polymerization. Thermosetting plastics are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials due to the three-dimensional network of bonds (crosslinking) formed during polymerization.
Thermosetting polymers, often called thermosets, are obtained by irreversibly hardening or "curing" a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer (resin). Curing is induced by heat or suitable radiation and may be promoted by high pressure or mixing with a curing agent (catalyst or hardener). This process results in chemical reactions that create extensive cross-linking between polymer chains, producing an infusible and insoluble polymer network. The starting material for thermosets is usually malleable or liquid and can be designed to be moulded into its final shape. However, once hardened, a thermoset cannot be melted and reshaped, unlike thermoplastics.
SLA 3D printers use light, often ultraviolet light, to cure light-reactive thermoset materials or resins. When exposed to certain wavelengths of light, short molecular chains in the resin join together, polymerizing monomers and oligomers into solidified rigid or flexible geometries. The SLA 3D printing process produces highly isotropic parts, with resin components forming covalent bonds across layers, resulting in watertightness and predictable mechanical performance.
SLA resins feature properties similar to ABS or PC plastics, including standard, tough, flexible, or specialty resins that are heat resistant, biocompatible, or transparent. They offer a range of mechanical properties, including hardness, flexibility, and impact resistance. While SLA is known for creating high-resolution parts with smooth surface finishes, it produces anisotropic properties, and the material may exhibit lower tensile strength compared to traditional counterparts.
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SLA resins can be soft or hard, and heavily filled with secondary materials like glass or ceramic
Stereolithography (SLA) is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, not a thermoplastic. SLA resins can be soft or hard and can be tailored to incorporate secondary materials like glass and ceramic. SLA resins are based on thermosetting materials, which form cross-links during polymerization. These cross-links change the nature of the plastics, making them more rigid and brittle. After curing, thermoset plastics won't melt but will burn at elevated temperatures. SLA resins are photosensitive mixtures of oligomers and monomers that form hardened plastic through a process called photopolymerization.
The diverse range of formulations offered by SLA resins allows for flexibility in their material properties. SLA resins can be engineered to have specific mechanical properties such as high heat deflection temperatures or impact resistance. For instance, tough resin is developed for applications that require materials to withstand high stress and strain. Parts printed with tough resin have comparable tensile strength and modulus of elasticity to ABS. Similarly, durable resin is a wear-resistant and flexible material with mechanical properties similar to polypropylene (PP).
SLA resins are available in various types, including standard, tough, flexible, and specialty resins. Standard resins are commonly used for general prototyping, while engineering resins are chosen for applications requiring specific mechanical and thermal properties. Clear resin, a type of standard resin, can be post-processed to near optical transparency, making it ideal for showcasing internal features. Grey resin, another type of standard resin, is better suited for parts with fine details.
In addition to soft and hard resins, SLA also offers rubber-like resins that are soft to the touch. These resins have low tensile modulus and high elongation at break, making them suitable for objects that will be bent or compressed. Rigid resins, on the other hand, are reinforced with glass or ceramic particles, resulting in very stiff and rigid parts with a smooth surface finish. These resins offer good thermal stability and heat resistance, making them suitable for applications requiring specific thermal properties.
The versatility of SLA resins makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from dentistry to prototyping. They can be tailored to meet specific requirements, such as biocompatibility for medical equipment or impact resistance for functional prototypes. The ability to customize SLA resins allows for their use in diverse industries and rigorous testing environments.
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SLA resins can be formulated to be flame retardant or to have electrostatic discharge properties
Stereolithography (SLA) is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, not a thermoplastic. SLA resins are incredibly versatile, with hundreds of different formulations available. They can be soft or hard and can be filled with secondary materials like glass and ceramic. SLA resins can also be imbued with mechanical properties like high heat deflection temperature or impact resistance.
SLA resins can be formulated to be flame retardant or to have electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties. Formlabs, for example, offers a Flame Retardant Resin that is UL 94 Blue Card certified for creating self-extinguishing and halogen-free parts. SLA resins can also be formulated to meet specific needs in engineering and manufacturing workflows, such as ESD-safe resins.
The versatility of SLA resins means they can be used in a wide range of applications, from general prototyping to engineering and manufacturing. SLA resins can be formulated to have specific mechanical and thermal properties, such as heat resistance, biocompatibility, or transparency. They can also be made to be durable, flexible, or tough, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
SLA 3D printing offers the fastest speed, highest resolution and accuracy, sharpest details, and smoothest surface finishes of all 3D printing technologies. The smooth surface finish and tight tolerances of SLA parts make them ideal for use in multi-part assemblies, consumer-grade products, or final design review parts. SLA is also a good choice for cosmetic parts due to its ability to produce high-resolution parts with fine details and smooth surface finishes.
While SLA resins offer a wide range of possibilities, it is important to note that they are not suitable for outdoor use as the material properties may change over time, especially with overexposure to UV radiation. Additionally, some users have expressed a desire for more affordable electrically conductive SLA resins, as current options are expensive and may require special equipment for mixing.
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SLA resins are not suitable for outdoor use, as overexposure to UV radiation may alter the material properties
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a UV laser to cure a thermoset resin into hardened plastic. SLA resins are not suitable for outdoor use as overexposure to UV radiation may alter the material properties.
SLA is a plastic 3D printing process that uses a thermoset liquid, not a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are well-known types of plastics that form one chain of polymers and can be melted. On the other hand, thermosetting plastics form cross-links during polymerization, resulting in a more rigid and brittle material. After curing, thermoset plastics won't melt but will burn at elevated temperatures, making moulding impossible.
The UV laser used in SLA cures the liquid resin into hardened plastic through photopolymerization. Different combinations of monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators, and additives result in different material properties. SLA produces parts with high stiffness, high resolution, and a smooth finish. However, the material properties of SLA resins may change over time, especially with overexposure to UV radiation.
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause SLA 3D prints to become brittle and change their mechanical properties. This is true for prints made from both ABS-like and PC-like resins. While SLA is suitable for prototyping, the parts may exhibit aging and changes in properties after a couple of months. To prevent this, spray painting the parts or using alternative methods like SLS/MJF with vapour smoothing can be considered.
Additionally, SLA resins have safety implications due to the potential toxicity of UV resin. The liquid resin contains carbon-based oligomers and monomers that can be harmful if they come into contact with unprotected skin. Ingestion of UV resin can lead to severe intoxication and, in some cases, even be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to work with UV resin in a well-ventilated room and avoid inhaling synthetic resin vapors.
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Frequently asked questions
SLA stands for Stereolithography, a form of 3D printing technology that uses photochemical processes to create models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts.
SLA uses thermoset resins, which are cured using UV light to form hardened plastic. Thermoset plastics form cross-links during polymerization, which makes them more rigid and brittle.
Thermoplastics are a well-known class of plastics that can be melted. Examples include ABS, PP, PC, Polyamide, and many others.
SLA is used for creating prototypes, medical models, computer hardware, and various other applications. SLA parts are being used in industries such as medical equipment, manufacturing aids, and tooling.
SLA offers the fastest speed, highest resolution, accuracy, sharpest details, and smoothest surface finishes compared to other 3D printing technologies. SLA resins are also highly versatile, with a wide range of formulations and applications.
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