Stereolithography is the most widely used rapid prototyping technology.  It is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any rapid prototyping process. SLA has a high resolution and is most commonly used as patterns for silicone tooling. Often sanded, painted, & tinted. Stereolithography is fast, allowing prototypes to be made in a matter of days, and the complexity of the model is seldom a factor.

Applications of SLA Technology include; Aesthetic & conceptual models. Parts requiring detail and accuracy. Master patterns for polyurethane castings. Quickcast™ investment patterns allowing rapid production of metal castings. Design evaluation models.

Large models are produced on a SLA5000 machine using Somos 11120 Watershed™ resin. The resin has properties that match ABS, one of the most widely used plastics throughout the manufacturing industry. Watershed™ is ideal for flow analysis models, waterclear models including lenses and lightguides. The resin is extremely durable making it excellent for snap fits. Its low water absorption means it is not affected by high humidity levels.

 

“What is SLA and how does it work?”

SLA is a method of producing components directly from 3d design data in hours.

How: Your CAD model is cut into 0.1mm thick slices and each slice is cured. The curing process takes a UV laser and "draws" the section onto liquid resin. Where the laser hits, it sets off a chemical reaction which turns the liquid to solid bonding it to the layer beneath. The part is then lowered one layer thickness and more resin deposited on top ready for the cycle to begin again.

The layering continues from the bottom of the part until it has finished at the very top of the part.