What are the Benefits of Stereolithography?
Unrivaled Accuracy and Precision
SLA 3D printers are able to deliver highly detailed, tiny parts just a few mm in size, all the way up to 1.5 m long parts—all at the same exceptional resolution and accuracy. Even large parts remain highly accurate from end-to-end, with virtually no part shrinkage or warping.
Accurate, large parts up to 1500 mm in length
Production Quality
3D Systems has released 21 different SLA printers over the last 3 decades, each providing significant improvements over the previous version, offering you exceptional part quality. Our customers do not have to compromise speed or feature detail because we utilize two laser spot sizes per layer—delivering the best surface finish, small feature definition, and throughput.
Print highly detailed and accurate SLA parts
Broad SLA Materials Selection
By working with our customers over the last 30 years, 3D Systems has supported more than 80 SLA additive manufacturing materials, tuned to application needs. Find the mechanical specifications you need in our existing portfolio, or talk to our experts to find what you're looking for.
Clear SLA materials enable quick insights on assemblies and fluid flow tests
24/7 Utilization
Get the highest productivity possible with the fastest print technology for large and production runs. Quick interchangeable material delivery modules keep machines running to advance your part manufacturing workflow, while 3D Connect™ Service offers proactive and preventative support.
Maximize build volumes with one large part or batch printing
What is Stereolithography?
Stereolithography is the first commercialized 3D printing technology, invented by 3D Systems' Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Chuck Hull in the 1980s. It uses an ultraviolet laser to precisely cure photopolymer cross-sections, transforming them from liquid to solid. Parts are built directly from CAD data, layer-by-layer into prototypes, investment casting patterns, tools, and end-use parts.
Once the SLA printing process is complete, SLA parts are cleaned in a solvent solution to remove any residual uncured resin from the part surface. Cleaned parts are then cured in a UV oven.
SLA Material Properties & Uses
3D Systems’ Accura® SLA resins are the industry’s gold standard for accuracy, providing excellent resolution, surface finish and dimensional tolerances
SLA materials are available for parts requiring similar characteristics to injection-molded ABS or polypropylene such as snap-fit assemblies, automotive styling components, and master patterns, and for higher-temperature applications and exceptional clarity. Biocompatible materials are available for a wide range of medical applications, such as surgical tools, dental appliances, and hearing aids. Other materials are specifically formulated for investment casting patterns, offering low ash creation and high accuracy while also being expendable.
Go from design to true-to-CAD SLA printed parts without a third-party software using 3D Systems' exclusive 3D Sprint® software.
Our SLA resin 3D printers offer a range of build volumes and price points.
ProX 800
SLA quality at high throughput to address the broadest range of applications
ProX 950
All the benefits of SLA 3D printing in extra-large format
ProJet 6000 HD
Highest 3D printed quality and accuracy for small to medium sized parts
ProJet 7000 HD
Mid-range integrated solution for SLA quality and accuracy