Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA®)
If you need prototypes, patterns or end-use parts with the greatest accuracy, highest definition and best surface finish, SLA models are an excellent investment and can optimize time and money at every stage of the production cycle.
At 3Dproparts, we use next generation, high definition and production SLA technology from 3D Systems, the inventors and global leaders in Stereolithography. Choose from the widest selection of materials, simulating engineering thermoplastic and get outstanding quality parts next day.
Key benefits
SLA parts are ideally used as master patterns for injection molding core and cavity inserts, thermoforming, sand casting, blow molding, and various metal casting processes.
- Best accuracy and smooth surface finish
- Extreme fine detail capability, ideal for micro parts
- Wide range of material offering
- Materials with PC (transparent) characteristics or high heat resistance
- Proparts Exclusive: XL parts – up to 60 inches, eliminating assembly or joints
- Multiple finishing options
Applications
The most demanding industry applications benefit from SLA as parts provide precision and can withstand high temperatures. Formula 1 and other Motorsports, for example, have been using SLA technology for years to advance product performance and get ahead the competition with intense Windtunnel testing.
Download our case study on Formula 1 windtunnel testing with SLA parts (PDF)
Other industries that are widely using the SLA technology are:
Automotive, Motorsports, Windtunnel testing, Aerospace, Consumer products, Packaging, Electronics, Architecture, Medical, Entertainment & Animation and Government Research.
The Technology
Stereolithography or SLA Systems convert liquid plastic materials (photosensitive epoxy polymers) and composites into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, to build highly accurate three-dimensional parts of different geometries at the same time.
Step by step:
- SLA translates a CAD file into a surface model made up of thousands of small triangles.
- File is sliced into many layers like a stack of cards and transferred into an SLA System.
- A laser in motion cures the liquid material in very thin layers, including interior and exterior layers, to a solid part.
Stereolithography Materials
The Accura® line of SLA Materials delivers part quality rivaling CNC-machined parts and offers versatility no other brand can offer. The material properties mimic those of several engineering thermoplastics, including thermal resistance, stiffness, flexibility and transparency to meet demanding prototyping, testing and application needs.
Latest SLA Materials offered by 3Dproparts:
| Accura Xtreme Plastic The aesthetics and properties of a grey molded ABS production part, with Xtreme toughness and Xtreme accuracy. |
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Accura 60 Plastic The properties and appearance of polycarbonate with high clarity and internal feature visibility. |
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| Accura 55 Plastic The look and feel of molded ABS with outstanding durability and versatility. |
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Accura 25 Plastic Simulates the aesthetics and properties of polypropylene and ABS with great accuracy and flexibility. |
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| Accura 48HTR Plastic A strong, rigid and thermally resistant plastic for temperatures up to 130 °C (266 °F). |
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Accura Bluestone Plastic A high stiffness engineered nanocomposite with high accuracy and temperature resistance (up to 250 °C). |
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Download our Accura SLA Material Overview (PDF)
Stereolithography (SLA) Systems
Based on 3D Systems’ proprietary and proven SLA technology, 3Dproparts operates the latest SLA Systems. The highly productive iPro SLA Centers quickly and economically produce hundreds of finely featured or a few extra large plastic parts with unmatched part quality and accuracy. The iPro series of SLA Centers offer versatility and flexibility for companies and individuals by providing multiple configurations, simple operation and dual material option, The iPro 9000 XL SLA Centers offer the largest commercially available build volume, building large, single-piece parts up to 60-inches long with no seams for aesthetic superiority, one-piece durability, resulting in reduced labor and decreased cost. Build volume – (59 X 30 X 22 in.)
Click here to get an instant online quote and evaluate the various SLA materials 3Dproparts offers.