Stereolithography (SLA) is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces extremely accurate and high-resolution parts that can be used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or rapid prototyping. Xometry offers over 20 uniquely engineered SLA materials from Accura, Somos, and Formlabs, which can enable products to be brought to the market.
New!
Introducing Formlabs Materials
We’re happy to announce the launch of Formlabs SLA resins on Xometry’s Instant Quoting Engine®! Formlabs is a key innovator in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, offering a versatile portfolio of low-cost engineered materials with professional results that meet various engineering and design needs. From general prototyping to demanding functional applications, their materials empower users to create high-resolution parts with specific mechanical, thermal, and visual properties. Read more about our new Formlabs materials.
General Purpose Materials
General Purpose SLA Materials Available at Xometry:
Comparing properties of ESD and High Temp materials.
Available Finishes for SLA Printed Parts
Matte (Standard)
Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper, then media blasted for a uniform matte finish.
Natural
Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper for improved surface quality. Sanding scratches will be visible on supported surfaces.
Strip and Ship
Supported areas may show small grid-like dots or surface blemishes as a result of support removal.
Quick Clear
Available for several clear SLA materials. Only supported surfaces are sanded. Parts will still have visible layering. High gloss clear coat is applied to enhance natural clarity.
Custom
Xometry provides additional SLA finishing options, including but not limited to sanding, polishing, painting, post thermal processing, and plating to meet your needs.
Navigating Stereolithography (SLA) Resins by Applications
Understanding key material properties and trade-offs is crucial for selecting the right resin for your SLA project.
Free shipping available for domestic 3D printing orders ; learn more!
Applications of Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Concept Models
The speed, accuracy, and great surface finish of SLA parts let product developers create physical snapshots of their designs through the iterative process.
Rapid Prototyping
SLA prototyping is a fully functional prototype, with materials that can simulate polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, and rigid composites.
Direct Digital Manufacturing
SLA's high accuracy and consistency make it ideal for building large quantities of discrete or customized parts.
Benefits of SLA 3D Printing
SLA is a go-to choice for 3D-printed models that require accurate features and a smooth surface finish. Xometry's stereolithography 3D printing service offers both standard and high-resolution options for fine-detail parts and can also print larger-sized parts and products, offering a 29-inch build area or larger for select materials. With the ability to produce complex features with good mechanical properties, an SLA 3D print is often used for final fit checks before moving to injection molding services.
In addition, Xometry's manufacturing partner network allows us to offer a larger variety of materials than other 3D printing companies - we offer a wide range of both Accura and Somos brand materials.
Outstanding surface finish and post processing options
Tight tolerances and high detail precision
Complex shapes with a high degree of precision
High selection of engineered materials
SLA General Tolerances
Description
Standard Resolution
High Resolution
Description
Build envelope
Standard Resolution
Up to 29” x 25” x 21” (13.5" x 7.5" x 7.5" for Formlabs)
High Resolution
10” x 10” x 10”
Description
Layer height
Standard Resolution
0.004"
High Resolution
0.002"
Description
Tolerance, XY Plane
Standard Resolution
+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
High Resolution
+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
Description
Tolerance, Z Plane
Standard Resolution
+/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
High Resolution
+/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
Description
Minimum linear feature size
Standard Resolution
Under 0.030” are at risk and under 0.020” will not build.
High Resolution
Under 0.020” are at risk and under 0.010” will not build.
Description
Minimum radial feature size
Standard Resolution
0.035"
High Resolution
0.030"
The table depicts the general tolerances for industrial-grade stereolithography (SLA) services. Stresses during the build, support strategy, and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness. After completing a prototype build, improved tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review and must be approved on a case-by-case basis. General tolerances apply before secondary finishing or post-processing unless otherwise specified. Please check out Xometry's Manufacturing Standardsfor more information on tolerances per process.
Need to Compare Printing Processes?
Our quick reference guides let you quickly compare different 3D printing processes!
Overview: What is Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing?
How Stereolithography Works
The stereolithography process is an additive manufacturing process that uses ultraviolet (UV) light on a vat of liquid photopolymer resin to selectively solidify part features, building the part layer by layer. The UV light continues this process through the entire vat of resin, selectively curing and solidifying the resin to match the design of the CAD file. Support structures are created during the pre-build setup process and manually removed after the print is completed. The parts are then washed in a solvent solution to remove uncured resin, and then receive a final post-cure in a UV light oven. Standard SLA uses a laser for resin printing, and other processes use a projector (DLP) or a masked LCD panel (mSLA, such as Formlabs), which are all included under this product line.
Xometry's SLA printing service offers higher resolution printing than many other 3D printing technologies, allowing customers to print parts with fine details and surface finishes. SLA 3D printing is a highly versatile platform for making custom parts in prototype and production settings, often acting as a stand-in for injection-molded parts.
Applications of Stereolithography
With a broad range of suitable materials and a rapid turnaround for even complex net-shapes, SLA technology is an ideal tool for a broad range of manufacturing sectors. It is primarily used in automotive, consumer product, and medical device engineering, enabling the cost-effective generation of intricate parts with various surface finishes and fine detailing. Depending on the manufacturing requirements, parts can be embossed or engraved, with matte, natural, and myriad other textures available. While its primary success has been in rapid, functional prototyping and design assistance for the automotive sector, stereolithography is rapidly being adopted at scale in various mechanical modeling sectors.
Why Choose Xometry for 3D Printing?
Endless Options
Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Vetted Network
We are ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and AS9100D certified. Only the top shops that apply to become Xometry Suppliers pass our qualification process.
