Almost all industries implement 3D printing to produce functional parts and prototypes. From prosthetics to automotive parts, the increasing application of 3D printing is observed across multiple sectors. Nonetheless, among the diverse 3D printing techniques, stereolithography or SLA is most prevalently preferred by all businesses.
Over time, 3D printing has become more sophisticated and advanced, enabling the manufacture of complex geometries with exquisite precision. As for SLA 3D printing, it is the oldest additive manufacturing process that uses vat polymerization to cure liquid resin into solid objects.
Though the technology was first patented in the 1980s by Chuck Hull, it has undergone numerous advancements with the gradual invention of desktop printers for large-scale accessibility.
Well, what makes SLA a popular 3D printing technology? Why is it preferred over other additive manufacturing techniques? We will understand the benefits of SLA by answering the stated questions.
The Mechanism of SLA 3D Printing
Stereolithography or SLA uses photopolymer liquid resin to cure into three-dimensional objects. As a fine layer of liquid resin is spread on the build platform, UV light is applied to selectively cure the material into hardened plastic.
The final product is obtained layer-by-layer from bottom to top. After completion, support structures are removed, and the product is sent for post-processing (if required).
SLA printing service produces high-quality prototypes, batched products, and customized parts. Precision, smooth surface finish, and accuracy make it the ideal manufacturing process for several applications.
Benefits of SLA for Businesses
SLA 3D printing offers numerous benefits, making it a well-accepted technology across multiple sectors. Businesses of all sizes implement SLA to produce large-scale parts and prototypes. So, let’s take a look at the advantages of SLA 3D printing:
- Fast and Easy Installation- SLA printers are easy to install. It does not require extensive tooling or skills to set up an SLA printer. Hence, businesses looking for hassle-free 3D printing prefer SLA over other technologies.
- Strong and Durable Products- Compared to other 3D printing technologies, SLA prints are more durable and strong. The parts possess impressive strength and sturdiness, making them ideal for implementation in the automotive, medical, and aeronautic industries.
- High-Degree Precision- The parts obtained in SLA 3D printing have superior dimension accuracy and precision. In other words, it is possible to manufacture intricate designs through SLA.
- Material Consistency and Surface Finish- The products have uniform material consistency with excellent surface finish, minimizing post-processing likelihoods.
- Affordable- SLA printing cost is much less than other processes, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Eco-Friendly- SLA is an environment-friendly procedure requiring minimum energy in the production process.
- Versatile- In SLA 3D printing, you can use a wide array of materials, like clear resin, castable resin, tough resin, ABS-like resin, etc., for diverse applications.
- Shorter Processing Time- The lead time is much less than other technologies, enabling rapid production.
SLA 3D printing is persistently evolving opening gateways to newer opportunities for businesses.
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