Stereolithography (SLA) Design Guide
Identify cosmetic faces, fine details, and support-sensitive surfaces before choosing an SLA resin and finish.
Get the Guide With Your QuoteSLA 3D Printing Services
BoValley provides SLA 3D printing for detailed prototypes, visual models, and complex parts that require fine features and a smooth surface finish. From early concept validation to presentation-ready models, we help turn your digital designs into physical parts for evaluation and refinement.
Project Review
- CAD Review
- Resin Selection
- Surface Review
- Post-Cure Planning
- Part Design
- Fine-detail models
- Build Planning
- Support & finish review
- Material Type
- Photopolymer resins
Overview
What is Stereolithography (SLA)?
Stereolithography (SLA) is a resin-based additive manufacturing process that uses light to selectively cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. It is well suited to parts with fine features, intricate surface details, and demanding visual presentation requirements.
After printing, parts typically undergo support removal, washing, and post-curing. Additional finishing may be available depending on the desired appearance and the selected resin.
Stereolithography (SLA) Capabilities
Review build orientation, support contact, fine details and resin choice. Mark visible surfaces and mating features that will be checked after cleaning and curing.
Fine Features
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
Build Orientation
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
Support Access
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
Dimensional Fit
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
Resin Choice
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
Post-Curing
- Mark cosmetic faces so support contact can be planned.
- Allow access to clean and cure internal features.
- Review fit-critical geometry in the selected resin.
- Specify whether the part needs sanding, painting, or polishing.
MaterialsMaterials
Stereolithography (SLA) Materials
SLA parts require suitable support structures and post-curing. Wall thickness, unsupported features, drainage for hollow parts, and part orientation can affect accuracy, surface quality, and overall results.
- Standard Resin
- Tough Resin
- Clear Resin
- High-Detail Resin
- Heat-Resistant Resin
- Flexible Resin
- High-Detail Resin
- Resin toughness
- Clarity after finishing
- Post-cure requirements
- Support contact marks
- Detail resolution
- Service temperature
- Impact resistance
- Flexural stiffness
- Wall thickness
- Build orientation
- Thin feature support
- Surface texture
- Cosmetic face protection
- UV exposure
- Coating adhesion
- Transparent face polishing
- Color requirements
Surface Finish Options
SLA material selection depends on the intended application, appearance, stiffness, toughness, and environmental requirements. Available resin options vary by process and equipment.
| Parameter | Typical Capability / Options |
|---|---|
| Process | Stereolithography (SLA) |
| Material Type | UV-curable photopolymer resins |
| Resin Options | Standard, tough, clear, and selected engineering resins, subject to availability |
| Build Size | Depends on the selected printer and part orientation |
| Dimensional Accuracy | Depends on geometry, resin, orientation, and post-processing |
| Surface Finish | Generally smooth; supports and layer-related effects may require finishing |
| Post-Processing | Washing, support removal, UV post-curing, sanding, painting or other agreed finishing |
| Typical Order Volume | Prototypes and selected small batches |
The Process
How Does Stereolithography (SLA)?
01. Design Review: Review the 3D file, critical details, orientation, and surface requirements. 02. Layer-by-Layer Printing: Build the component from photopolymer resin using a light-curing process. 03. Cleaning and Post-Curing: Remove residual resin, take off supports, and post-cure as required. 04. Finishing and Inspection: Check the finished parts against agreed dimensional and appearance requirements.
The advantages
- Fine Surface Details:• Suitable for intricate shapes, fine features, and visually detailed parts.
- Smooth Surface Potential:• A strong option for appearance-focused models and presentation prototypes.
- Complex Geometries:• Produces shapes that may be difficult or costly to machine from solid stock.
The challenges
- Rapid Design Iteration:• Supports early evaluation of form, fit, and design direction.
- Presentation-Ready Models:• Painting and other finishing options may enhance visual presentation.
QualityApplications for Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is especially useful when visual quality, fine features, or detailed geometry are priorities during product development.
Appearance Prototypes
Review product shape, proportions, and visual design.
Detailed Enclosures
Prototype housings and components with intricate surface features.
Concept Models
Present product concepts to internal teams or stakeholders.
Design & Assembly Checks
Evaluate fit and interface geometry, subject to material and process limitations.
Laboratory and medical product development models
Review instrument layouts, enclosure fit, and handling during product development.
Marketing, demonstration, and presentation models
Present fine detail and check the appearance of visible surfaces.
| Types of Parts | Function |
|---|---|
| Presentation models | Communicate detailed geometry and appearance. |
| Clearance models | Check component layout and mating features. |
| Lab equipment mockups | Evaluate ergonomics and enclosure fit during development. |
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