SLA · Stereolithography

The smoothest surface
3D printing can deliver.
50 µm resolution.

Industrial SLA and DLP printers loaded with 8+ engineering resins — standard, tough, rigid, high-temp, flexible, clear, biocompatible, and castable. Cosmetic prototypes in 2–3 days.

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01 · Resin library

Choose the right resin for the job.

Standard SLA resin is the default — cheap, fast, detailed. But each specialty resin below unlocks an application you can't do otherwise.

Standard

50 MPa tensile

Default for visual and concept prototypes. Cheapest option, excellent detail.

Colors: Grey / white / black

Tough

ABS-like

Survives snap-fit tests and drop tests. Mechanical prototypes requiring impact resistance.

Colors: White

Rigid 10K

10,000 psi modulus

Ultra-stiff, glass-filled. Load-bearing fixtures, jigs, short-run tooling.

Colors: White

High Temp

HDT 238°C

Heat-resistant for molding masters, hot-air ducting prototypes, under-hood models.

Colors: Amber

Flexible

Shore A 70

Rubber-like. Gaskets, seals, overmolded handle prototypes. Bends without breaking.

Colors: Translucent

Elastic

Shore 50A / 80A

Higher elongation than Flexible. Living hinges, wearable straps, compliant mechanisms.

Colors: Translucent

Clear

90% translucent

Post-polish achieves near-optical clarity. Lighting prototypes, fluidic device masters.

Colors: Transparent

BioMed / Class VI

USP Class VI

Biocompatible for skin contact and short-term device use. Dental aligners, wearable sensors.

Colors: Clear / amber

FAQ

SLA questions.

Stereolithography (SLA) uses a UV laser or DLP projector to selectively cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. Each layer bonds to the one below, building up a solid part. SLA produces the smoothest surface finish and highest detail of any 3D printing technology — suited to cosmetic prototypes, master patterns, and visual concept models.

For visual prototypes: Standard resin (cheap, detailed). For mechanical/functional: Tough resin (ABS-like impact resistance). For loaded fixtures: Rigid resin (10K psi modulus). For engine/under-hood: High Temp resin (HDT 238°C). For compliant parts: Flexible Shore A 70. For optical/clear: Clear resin (polished transparent). For medical: Biocompatible Class VI. For investment casting: Castable resin (burns clean).

Minimum feature size ~0.3 mm. Layer thickness 25, 50 or 100 µm selectable. Pixel size on DLP systems 50–75 µm. Small text (2 mm letters), fine textures, grain patterns and smooth transitions all print faithfully. SLA is the technology of choice for jewelry masters, dental aligners, and high-end cosmetic models.

Single-piece builds up to 380 × 284 × 380 mm on our large-format industrial SLA systems. Larger parts can be printed in sections and bonded with matching resin — the bonded seam is nearly invisible.

Standard SLA resins are brittle — they shatter rather than bend. Tough resins (ABS-like) survive most functional testing. Engineering resins (rigid 10K, high-temp) work for loaded fixtures and high-temperature applications. For truly durable functional prototypes, MJF or SLS nylon is more appropriate. UV exposure weakens most SLA parts over months, so for long-term functional use, coat with UV-resistant lacquer.

Yes. Formlabs BioMed Clear (USP Class VI, skin contact, short-term implantable) and Dental LT Clear (Class IIa). For longer-term implantable or patient-contact devices, consult our engineers on appropriate material and regulatory path.

The smoothest surface3D printing can deliver.50 µm resolution.

Choose the right resin for the job.

SLA questions.

Upload a CAD file. Get an engineering-reviewed quote in under 24 hours.

The smoothest surface
3D printing can deliver.
50 µm resolution.

Upload a CAD file.
Get an engineering-reviewed quote in under 24 hours.