| Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive process that | | | | One advantage of stereolithography is that a functional |
| uses a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin and | | | | part can be built in a relatively short period of time. The |
| a computer controlled UV laser to build parts one thin | | | | amount of time required depends on the size, |
| layer at a time. The UV laser cures, or, solidifies the | | | | complexity and layer thickness the part will be built |
| part layer and adheres it to each additional layer. | | | | with. Parts can take anywhere from a few short |
| After each layer has been cured, the SLA machine | | | | hours to a day or more. Parts built with an SLA |
| lowers the platform by a single layer thickness, typically | | | | machine can be used as master patterns for RTV |
| 0.002" to 0.006". A resin filled sweeper blade then | | | | molding, finished and painted or simply lightly sanded |
| moves across the cured layer recoating it with another | | | | and may be used for shape studies or final |
| layer of uncured resin. Each layer is cured by the laser, | | | | presentation models. The Stereolithography process |
| curing it and adhering it to the previous layer. This | | | | can help you decrease costly mistakes by detecting |
| process repeats until the 3-D part is completed. Once | | | | design flaws before the manufacturing process. It can |
| complete, the SLA machine raises the platform from | | | | be a cost-effective option for low-volume production |
| the vat of resin and the part can be removed, cleaned | | | | and also provides quick lead times. |
| and final cured in a UV "oven". | | | | |