Stereolithography (SLA)

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Stereolithography

Stereolithography uses additive fabrication method where a UV-sensitive photopolymer resin is cured by a laser to build parts a layer at a time. Part are traced by the laser beam on the surface of the photopolymer, causing it to cure and solidify the prototype layer. After each layer has been traced, the build platform lowers the part by a single layer thickness, typically 0.002" to 0006", and sweeps a blade filled with photopolymer ("resin") across the part to Stereolithography apparatus, or SLA, is the machine used in making of SL (stereolithography) prototypes. It is becoming more beneficial as resin compounds are continuosly being created more efficiently and with more desirable physical and checmical properties. Parts are created directly from a CAD model when an extremely close approximation to the finished part is desired. Thee are many photo-polymer resins available to simulate many plastics currently used in prototyping and manufacturing.

How a Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) Works

Stereolithography uses a vat of resin with an elevator style platform and a UV laser to harden each layer of the desired prototype at a time. First, we use software to correctly position the part, then sufficiently cover the down-facing planes of the part with supports. The platform begins one layer thickness below the top of the resin (usually about .002" to .004" thick. The laser beam traces that layer onto the resin, instantly curing adnd hardening it. The platform is then lowered another layer thickness, and the process repeats, fusing each subsequent layer to the previous one. Once all layers are complete, the elevator rises and the part can be removed and cleaned of excess resin in a solvent. Once dry, it goes into a UV chamber to be fully cures, then any post processes can take place.

Stereolithography Capabilities

Small to medium-sized concept and communications models

Small to medium-sized prototypes

Short run manufacturing

Patterns for injection molding

Precision builds of extremely detailed parts

Parts with extremely fine details

Medical

Industrial Designers

Aerospace

Semiconductor

Telecommunications

Aeronautics

Robotics

Military

Pharmaceutical

Computer Technologies

Design Firms

Technical Information about Stereolithography


Accura 25	White	Click Here
Accura 60	Clear	Click Here
Protothem 12120	Clear/Red	Click Here
Protocast AF	Clear/Peach	Click Here
DMX-SL 100	Natural White	Click Here
NanoTool	White	Click Here

Standard tolerances to be expected from SL

In X/Y: +/-0.005" for the first inch, +/-0.001" for each additional inch

In Z: +/0.01" for the first inch, +/0.002" on each acctional inch

Standard Resolution - 0.004" layers

High Resolution - 0.002" layers



Level 1	Strip and Ship	Remove suports. NO sanding.
Level 2	Standard Finish	Remove supports, lightly sand to 150 grit.
Level 3	Foundry Pattern	Remove supports, sand to 220grit, remove 95% of build lines.
Level 4	Mold Ready	Remove supports, sand to 320 grit, remove 100% of build lines, prime.
Level 5	Presentation	Remove supports, sand to 320 grit, remove 100% of build lines, prime, paint matte gloss.
Leve 6	Clear Coat	Remove supports, lightly sand support surface to 320 grit, clear coat.
Level 7	Water Clear	Remove supports, sand to 600 grit, remove 100% of build lines, clear coat.