Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing (3D Printing) technology through which pieces of epoxy resin with a high capacity for reproducing the details and an excellent precision are obtained.
It is the most appropriate technology when manufacturing the master model, to subsequently make silicone moulds or prototypes to verify the geometry and visual appearance of a product.
It is one of the first 3D printing technologies developed. At Ineo we have been using it since 2000 and today it continues to be a very used and reliable technology for the manufacture of rapid prototypes.
The small format stereolithography machines have a high resolution for the details; The large format ones are also precise and offer a tolerance of ± 0.2 mm.
What is stereolithography?
How does stereolithography work?
A laser of ultraviolet light (UV) is drawing and solidifying these layers on the surface of the liquid epoxy resin contained in the deposit of the machine; each layer is adhered to the previous one by the effect of the laser. In order to fix the piece to the construction platform, supports must be made to stabilize the protruding surfaces during the process. The platform descends on each layer and these supports ensure that the manufactured part does not fall or deform.
Once this is made, these supports must be removed and go through a cleaning process. Finally, it must be subjected to a post-cure in an ultraviolet light oven to leave it totally solidified.
Applications of stereolithography
This technology, well considered for its precision and excellent surface finish, is used especially by technical offices, R & D departments, design centers of different industrial sectors (architecture, medicine) that require:
- Master piece to manufacture silicone molds
- Functional prototypes
- Models for presentation
- Pieces that will require a surface finish
- Pieces of excellent dimensional precision
Advantages of stereolithography
Some of its strengths are:
- Manufacture of fast and complex prototypes
- Speed, precision and excellent reproduction of details
- Excellent surface finish
- Choice of different surface and painted finishes
- Different manufacturing materials: transparent, flexible, translucent
Aspects to consider
Some considerations about the stereolithography:
- Depending on the resin used, the pieces can be fragile
- It is necessary to use supports to stabilize protruding surfaces during the manufacturing process of the pieces
- It is not recommended to nest pieces one over the other during manufacturing
- Some materials are sensitive to humidity and temperature
Materials for 3D SLA printing
Accura Xtreme |
|---|
Grey resin with good mechanical and thermal behaviour (60ºC), high dimensional reliability and excellent surface finish, easy to polish.
|
Flexibility
Temperature resistance
Impact Resistance
DSM 11122 |
|---|
Translucent resin that polished is transparent. Maximum working temperature: 50ºC, high dimensional reliability and excellent surface finish, easy to polish. |
Flexibility
Temperature resistance
Impact Resistance
Robusta G |
|---|
Translucent white resin, with good mechanical behaviour, can be easily dyed to obtain coloured finishes. Good thermal behaviour (60ºC) with high dimensional reliability and excellent surface finish, easy to polish. |