Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

Advancements in 3D printing continue to change the way businesses approach prototyping and production. As the technology becomes more accessible and affordable and hardware and materials advance to match market opportunities and demands, designers, engineers, and beyond are integrating 3D printing into workflows across development cycles.

Across industries, 3D printing is helping professionals cut outsourcing costs, iterate faster, optimize production processes, and even unlock entirely new business models.

Stereolithography 3D printing in particular has undergone significant changes. Traditionally, resin 3D printers have been monolithic and cost-prohibitive, requiring skilled technicians and costly service contracts. Today, small format desktop printers produce industrial-quality output, at substantially more affordable price points and with unmatched versatility.

What is Stereolithography 3D Printing?

Stereolithography belongs to a family of additive manufacturing technologies known as vat photopolymerization, commonly known as resin 3D printing. These machines are all built around the same principle, using a light source—a laser or projector—to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic. The main physical differentiation lies in the arrangement of the core components, such as the light source, the build platform, and the resin tank.

· The Next Chapter of SLA: Low Force Stereolithography 3D Printing

· Why Choose SLA 3D Printing?

· Isotropy

· Watertightness

· Accuracy and Precision

· Fine Features and Smooth Surface Finish

· Material Versatility

· SLA 3D Printing Applications

· Bringing SLA 3D Printing In-House

· Fast Turnaround Time and Quick Design Changes

· Cost Savings

· Scale as You Grow

· Get Started With SLA 3D Printing

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, or resin 3D printing, has become vastly popular for its ability to produce high-accuracy, isotropic, and watertight prototypes and parts in a range of advanced materials with fine features and smooth surface finish. 

In this comprehensive guide, learn how SLA printing technologies work, why thousands of professionals use this process today, and how resin 3D printers can benefit your work.