Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process whereby the part is created directly from 3D CAD data.

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The Process

Stereolithography (SLA)is an additive manufacturing process whereby the partis created directly from 3D CAD data. The model is builtalayer at a time, by scanning / curing the surface of a liquid photo-polymer with a pin point of UV light generated by a computer controlled solid state laser. The model submerges below the surface between layers, and the process continues with each subsequent layer being cured to the one below.

The Benefits

  • Very short lead-times, can be Next Day
  • Excellent component & feature accuracy
  • Light layering evident in Z axis
  • High resolution options available (50micronbuild layers)
  • Various resins offering optionssuch as:Clear, Clipsand Snap Fitsand High Temperature materials.
  • Easily finished to a high standard including Transparent (for full list of finishing options see Product Finishing & Painting)
  • Threaded Inserts can be fitted.

The Applications

  • Design evaluation & feasibility studies
  • Concept Models
  • Design aids including CAD verification
  • Presentation / Exhibition models
  • Photographic samples
  • Fit & light functionality tests
  • Master patterns for:
  • Silicone tooling
  • Vacuum Casting
  • Wax patterns & Investment Casting
  • Can be metallised to achieve real metal coatings (Copper, Silver, Gold, Chrome, Nickel, etc.)

Machines & Materials

  Build Chamber Dimensions Build Layers Resin
X Y Z
SLA 1 508mm 508mm 584mm 0.1mm & 0.15mm WaterShed XC11122
SLA 2 350mm 350mm 400mm 0.1mm Evolve 128
SLA 3 (SR) 250mm 250mm 250mm 0.1mm Evolve 128 & WaterShed XC11122
SLA 3 (HR) 125mm 125mm 250mm 0.05mm Evolve 128 & WaterShed XC11122

 

Typical Tolerances (0-100mm) (>100mm)
SLA +/-0.15mm +/-0.15%

Available Materials:

Stock - Somos Watershed XC11122, Somos EvoLVe 128

Non-stock – Somos Taurus, Somos PerForm.

Typical Lead Time: Next Day despatch (depending on part size/geometry).

Examples of SLA Capabilities

Services

Stereolithography (SLA)

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Figure 4

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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

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Vacuum Casting

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Product Finishing

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Other

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