Stereolithography (SLA) Printing
An industrial 3D printing process which offers the industries best precision and speed, with minimal need for support structures.
What is Stereolithography (SLA)?
Our SLA machines enables the production of intricate parts with tight tolerances, making it suitable for a range of demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, robotics, consumer products and high quality visual prototypes. Its efficiency, high quality surface finish and versatility make SLA a valuable technology in both rapid prototyping and end-use manufacturing applications alike.
Forge Labs uses 3D System’s industrial SLA machines which offer the largest build envelopes commercially available, able to produce parts up to 1500 mm (59 inches) in a single build.  Layers are cured by ultraviolet laser through a process called vat photopolymerization to solidify the pattern layer by layer. Unlike desktop SLA machines, our parts are produced underneath the resin which dramatically reduces peeling forces. This allows for our parts to be produced with superior mechanical properties, surface finish and accuracy compared to inverted stereolithography.
Manufacturing using Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing services is ideal for printing high detail prototypes, master patterns, tools, molds, dies, jigs, fixtures or any application where surface finish, accuracy and product aesthetics are critical.
Standard Resin
An economical material, best used for visual models, figurines, and prototypes.
Resin is ideal for display objects, such as visual prototypes, models, or figurines, as it is capable of delivering fine details and a smooth surface. This photopolymer transforms from liquid to solid after precise exposure to UV light during the printing process. It is then cleaned in a solution and cured in a UV chamber to strengthen and improve the parts properties.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 32 - 60 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 2500 - 2800 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 7 - 9% |
| Flexural Strength | 51 - 93 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2200 - 2775 MPa |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) | 48 - 70°C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 120 - 130°C |
Highlights
High Detail
Visual
Smooth
Tough Resin
A great choice for strong, detailed functional prototypes and parts that need to withstand stress and strain.
Tough resin is a great Nylon-like material for prototypes that require a higher level of durability and the ability to withstand continuous usage. This material is capable of delivering fine details and a smooth surface while being durable and non-brittle.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 33 - 60 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 1500 - 2964 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 11 - 51% |
| Flexural Strength | 39 - 80 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 1400 - 2654 MPa |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) | 50 - 63°C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 42 - 55°C |
Highlights
Strong
Durable
High Detail
Functional
Smooth
Materials Guide
— Download