What is stereolithography? Or also known as SLA...
Stereolithography (SLA) is the most widely used rapid prototyping technology. It can produce highly accurate and detailed polymer parts. It was the first rapid prototyping process, introduced in 1988 by 3D Systems, Inc., based on work by inventor Charles Hull. It uses a low-power, highly focused UV laser to trace out successive cross-sections of a three-dimensional object in a vat of liquid photosensitive polymer. As the laser traces the layer, the polymer solidifies and the excess areas are left as liquid. When a layer is completed, a leveling blade is moved across the surface to smooth it before depositing the next layer. The platform is lowered by a distance equal to the layer thickness (typically 0.003-0.002 in), and a subsequent layer is formed on top of the previously completed layers. This process of tracing and smoothing is repeated until the build is complete. Once complete, the part is elevated above the vat and drained. Excess polymer is swabbed or rinsed away from the surfaces. In many cases, a final cure is given by placing the part in a UV oven. After the final cure, supports are cut off the part and surfaces are polished, sanded or otherwise finished.
Source - Custom Part Net Stereolithography
Why choose stereolithography?
- Show and Tell parts for either prototype or marketing purposes
- Prototype to check your 3D Cad drawings
- Master patterns for RTV or Room Temperature Vulcanization Molding
- Metal parts after plated
- Patterns for investment castings
- Low volume production of complex geometries
- Super fast parts (usually within 2-3 days)
- Visual testing
- Wide range of materials
- Wide range of finishing options to mimic production parts
- Can do large parts or very small detailed parts
Who makes stereolithography machines?
There are several people who claim that their machines are just as good if not better than SLA machines however there is only one company who makes these SLA machines and they are 3D Systems and are publicly traded under TDSC.
http://www.3dsystems.com/
Who has used stereolithography with great success?
Maserati says "Main focus of the skeletal like basic platform is to provide flexibility when it comes to changing car’s performance using Stereolithography additive manufacturing technology to suit customer’s requirements. "
Source - http://www.automotto.org/entry/maserati-quattroporte-2030-concept-inspired-by-dinosaur-skeletal-structure/
Materialise Dental says "John J. Thomas, general manager at Materialise Dental, said: “The goal of our collaboration with Vatech America Inc. is to show that this cone-beam 3D equipment can be used in conjunction with our computer guided dentistry solutions. It’s an all-in treatment solution, leading to increased case success."
Source - http://www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/article-display/3774584274/articles/dentisryiq/industry/2010/10/vatech-america__materialise.html
Water Mission International says "Redesign of Water Missions International’s water filtration systems involved creating nearly 40 different working components. Because a project of this size and complexity would require an investment at least $300,000 in tooling alone — a huge cost for a non-profit organization — it was determined that a fully functional prototype system must first be designed, built, and evaluated before actual system would be produced."
Source - http://www.waterandwastewater.com/www_services/news_center/publish/article_002234.shtml
Data sheets for Stereolothography and SLA materials...
http://gpiprototype.com/Services/sla-stereolithography.html
GPI Prototype shows most SLA Materials on their website here.
ABS like, PC like, investment cast patterns, PP like and high temp materials.
Watch a video of an SLA machine in action.
Thank you for reading the blog on the SLA process. Feel free to comment or send an email with any specific questions.
GPI PROTOTYPE AND MANUFACTURING
Specializing in:
* DMLS – Direct Metal Laser Sintering
* 3D Printing - Objet
* RTV Casting and Urethane Molds
* SLA, SLS, FDM, CNC
* Laser 3D Scanning
* Short Run 1-1000 Prototypes
* Manufacturing
Tim Ruffner
GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc.
940 North Shore Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
http://gpiprototype.com
Phone: 847.615.8900
Fax: 847.615.8920
Email: Timr@GPIprototype.com
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*DMLS – Direct Metal Laser Sintering Blog
