Stereo lithography Apparatus

Stereo lithography Apparatus (SLA), also known as solid imaging or stereolithography, was introduced in 1984 as the world’s first high-speed prototyping device utilizing photopolymerization. It remains one of the most mature and widely used rapid prototyping processes. SLA technology, commonly referred to as resin 3D printing, is primarily employed for the fabrication of various molds and models. By incorporating additional components into the raw materials, it can also be utilized as an alternative to precision cast wax molds in SLA prototype molding.

Resin 3D printing enhances molding speed and accuracy. However, inevitable shrinkage during the curing of photosensitive resin leads to stress and deformation. Therefore, the developmental trend focuses on the creation of photosensitive materials with low shrinkage, rapid curing, and high strength.

SLA Technology Schematic

Working Principle:

According to the scanning path designed by the CNC-controlled scanner, a laser beam is directed onto the surface of liquid photosensitive resin, solidifying a specific area of the surface in each layer (after the resin is exposed to the laser beam). Once the resin becomes solid, the production platform is lowered by a certain distance (0.05-0.025mm). Subsequently, another layer of liquid resin is applied over the cured layer, and this process is repeated in a back-and-forth motion until the final model is completed.