Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography is a free form fabrication technology developed by 3D_Systems. Due to its accuracy and surface finish, it has become the most popular of the rapid prototyping methods.

It is a layered manufacturing method that utilizes a photo-curable liquid resin in combination with an ultraviolet laser: a vat of the resin sits underneath the laser, and the laser “draws” on the top layer of liquid. When the ultraviolet laser beam hits the liquid it hardens a small amount of resin under the beam point. By drawing the outline, then filling the outline of a layer, a solid layer of material is created. This layer is then lowered a small amount into the vat, a new layer of liquid is placed on top, and the process repeats itself. By creating one flat layer at a time, a very precise geometry can be created resulting in a complete part.

PADT operates an Viper Si2 and an ProJet HD6000 SLA machine. The specifications of our machines in addition to information on stereolithography is provided below.

Materials Used

• VisiJet 6000 (VisiJet Clear Only)
• ACCURA 60 (near transparent Poly-Carbonate like resin)
• ACCURA 25 (opaque white Polypropelene like resin)
• SL 7820 (opaque near black ABS-like resin)
• SOMOS NanoTool (high temp ceramic filled resin)

(Please click on the names above for more details)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cindy Hartley
Business Operations Administrator, Rapid Manufacturing
PADT, Inc
ASU Research Park
7755 Research Drive #110
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-813-4884 office

Advantages of Stereolithography Process

• High accuracy (±0.005 XYZ)
• Excellent surface finish
• Moderate strength