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Thursday, May 1, 2025

SLA | Stereolithography | 3D Printing

SLA | Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SLA) is renowned for its exceptional accuracy and detail. It uses a laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly precise models with smooth surfaces and intricate features. SLA is ideal for applications requiring high-quality prototypes, functional parts, and complex geometries. Our advanced SLA printers ensure optimal results, delivering exceptional precision and quality for your projects.
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Precision Testing and Presentation Models

If you need a prototype turned around quickly, Stereolithography might be the best solution. SLA is able to produce parts with the highest accuracy in 3D printing, and the only technology that can be finished clear. Great for precise form and fit testing. Ready to start your SLA project?

Get SLA Quote

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SLA
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

Parts are printed as opaque white (Somos® Evolve 128) or transparent with bluish tint (Somos® XC11122)

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Applications

Presentation Models

SLA printing offers high-resolution, detailed, and durable models, perfect for showcasing complex designs and intricate features for presentations.


Urethane Casting Patterns

SLA printing provides accurate and detailed patterns, ensuring precise urethane castings with consistent quality and intricate features.


Form and Fit Testing

For precise form and fit testing, SLA printing delivers exceptional accuracy and detail, ensuring your designs meet the highest standards of quality and functionality.

Finishes

Somos
Watershed CX11122

SLA Can be painted or finished sanded smooth and clear. How CLEAR do you need it?
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Blurred.

Least expensive method of producing clear parts. Less finishing time.
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Smoothed.

Sanded to a 320-grit finish. Additional finishing time and cost.
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Finished.

Parts are progressively sanded to the clearest finish for the material. Additional finishing time and cost.

Plating Options
For SLA & MJF

SICAM offers three different plating options. All three can be done with SLA or MJF. The MJF parts will have the normal texture, but the SLA can be finished to get a reflective surface.
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Vacuum Metalizing

a thin coat of metal usually aluminum is done by vacuum metal disposition and topcoat is applied to protect it. Usually used for reflectors and done mostly on SLA parts.
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Cosmetic Plating

conventual plating for the purpose of aesthetics. Can be done in copper, nickel, and chrome. Different finishes can be applied such as reflective or brushed.
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Mechanical Plating

This is a copper base and nickel coat of .006 used for aesthetics but mostly to increase mechanical strength. For a polished finish it needs to be done on SLA. It works great on MJF parts and greatly increases mechanical strength.

Materials

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Somos® Evolve 128

  • Smooth White Finish
  • High Resolution
  • Dimensionally Stable
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Somos® Watershed XC 11122

  • Clear finish
  • Water Resistant
  • Produces rigid parts
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   Best     ●  Good        Fair       Not Recommended


Somos® EvoLVe 128
Somos® WaterShed XC 11122

📑 Evolve 128 Data Sheet📑 WaterShed 11122 Data Sheet 
Stiffness
Impact
Resistance
Humidity/Water
Heat
Durability
Detail



Tolerances

Prototypes

Material Type First 3 Inches Each Additional Inch
Somos® EvoLVe 128 ±0.005 ±0.0015
Somos® WaterShed XC11122 ±0.005 ±0.0015

Stereolithography Materials and Finishes

Choose SLA printing for its smooth surface finish, part precision and accuracy, features and mechanical attributes like material versatility, isotropy, and watertightness. Parts are printed opaque white or transparent and can be finished clear. See what it looks like–Get the quick guide ..

SLA FAQs

What Layer thickness can be done?
All our SLA processes run at either .004 or .006 inch layers. Our customers have found that .004 is the best solution for details and .006 will grow quicker.
What is the turnaround time for a SLA?
Orders usually ship within two to four business days from the time of order. Large parts, secondary operations, and current backlog can take longer.
Can stereolithography (SLA) models be machined?
Yes, stereolithography (SLA) models can be drilled, reamed, milled, or turned on a lathe, depending on the geometry.
What Tolerances can be expected?

Typical tolerances on our SLA models are about +/- 0.005 for the 1st inch and .0005 each additional inch. Part geometry and build orientation can also have an effect on tolerances.

Can SLA be painted?

Yes, it can be painted in a matched color with different finishes and textures. See the finish and option tabs for what is available. SLA cannot be painted with Cerakote because of oven cure

What kind of texture does SLA have?

As per the process there are grow lines from the layering required to build the part. Alternative textures and finishes can be applied through secondary operations. Click on the finish and options tabs to get more information.

Can it be flexible?

It depends on the SLA material used. The resins we use currently are not flexible. The Somos XC11122 is rigid like a polycarbonate. The Somos EvoLVe is a little more flexible than ABS, but not as much as Polypropylene.

Have more Questions?
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