Who uses Stereolithography?
The Stereolithography or SLA is a widely used rapid manufacturing and rapid prototyping technology. 3D Models are created with an extremely high level of detail and excellent surface finish making Stereolithography an excellent choice where a close approximation to the finished product is desired. The standard material is SOMOS 11120 which is a photopolymer resin designed to simulate ABS plastic. Like ABS it can be sanded, machined and painted for a more cosmetically accurate prototype.
Stereolithography how does it stack up against other technologies.
How does it work?
Stereolithography uses additive fabrication method where a UV-sensitive photopolymer resin is cured by a laser to build parts a layer at a time. Parts 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 0.006", and sweeps a blade filled with photopolymer ("resin") across the part to deposit fresh SLA Resin. This creates a new surface for the part and a subsequent layer is traced, fusing it to the previous layer. After each layer is built the Prototype is ready for post-processing and excess resin is removed using a solvent such as alcohol and cured using a uv light source.
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TOLERANCES
Standard Tolerances that you can expect on SLA models are:
• In X/Y: +/- 0.005" for the first inch, +/- 0.001" for the each inch thereafter.
• In Z: +/- 0.01" for the first inch, +/- 0.002" on every inch thereafter.
• Standard Resolution: 0.006"
SOMOS 11120 Material Properties Sheet
• Standard finish build lines are sanded and a bead blasting is applied to create a matte finish.
Options available by custom quote:
• High-Resolution build: 0.002" - 0.004"
• Painting and clear coats
• Custom finishing available
• Chrome plating |
