SLA vs DLP

Laser vs projector.
Same resin.
Different physics.

Q: Are resin parts from SLA and DLP different?

When using same resin, mechanical properties are essentially identical. Differences: DLP parts may show pixel grid on edges (tiny staircase pattern from projector pixels). SLA parts have smooth curvilinear edges. For functional prototypes, mechanics are equivalent. For cosmetic parts, SLA surface better. For tiny high-detail parts, both work well.

Q: Why does DLP build entire plate in same time as one part?

DLP cures entire layer at once with projector. Whether one part or hundred parts fill the layer, cure time is same. 100 small parts nested in single build take only slightly longer than one part. Great economics for production quantities of small parts. SLA must trace each part, so 100 parts take 100× time of one part.

Q: Which is better for dental labs?

Dental labs predominantly use DLP or LCD (LCD is subset of DLP technology). Reasons: dental parts are small, many parts per build, fast turnaround essential. Full-arch models print in 15-30 minutes on DLP vs 1-3 hours on SLA. Dental workflow optimized for DLP production rates.

Q: Industrial SLA still relevant with DLP growing?

Yes — industrial SLA (like 3D Systems ProX series, Stratasys Neo) still dominates large-part and precision resin printing. DLP limited by projector resolution × build area — can't have both large build and high detail. Large-format SLA (500×500 build) produces large parts DLP cannot. For production of small parts: DLP wins. For large or precision parts: industrial SLA.

Q: LCD (MSLA) vs DLP?

LCD (sometimes called MSLA - Masked SLA): uses LCD screen to mask light from UV LED array. Same concept as DLP (full-layer cure) but with LCD as mask instead of DMD projector. Cheaper machines ($500-3000) vs DLP ($3000-100K). Lower resolution and color accuracy than DLP. Rising trend in consumer and desktop 3D printing. For prototype work, LCD is capable; for production, DLP typically preferred.

Q: Should I specify SLA or DLP for my project?

Usually unnecessary — specify the resin and accuracy needed, let manufacturer select process. We have both capabilities and choose based on part size, quantity, and requirements. Small precision parts → DLP. Large parts → SLA. Many small parts → DLP. Unique large geometry → SLA. For specific aesthetic (smooth edges) → SLA. For speed on small parts → DLP.

SLA uses a laser tracing out each layer point by point. DLP cures the entire layer at once with a digital projector. Both produce resin parts but with different trade-offs in speed, accuracy, and cost.

Get a Quote DFM guide

01 · At a glance

Side-by-side summary.

Option A

SLA (Stereolithography)

UV laser traces each layer on resin surface. Slower per layer but flexible build size. Best accuracy, fine detail. Industry standard for precision prototyping since 1980s.

Option B

DLP (Digital Light Processing)

UV projector cures entire layer at once. Fast — build time depends on height not volume. Fixed resolution across build area. Growing share of resin printing market.

02 · Detailed comparison

Feature-by-feature breakdown.

Attribute	SLA	DLP
Layer cure method	Laser spot trace	Full-layer projection
Speed (single small part)	Moderate	Fast
Speed (full build plate)	Slow (traces all parts)	Same as single (projects entire plate)
Accuracy	±0.05 mm typical	±0.05-0.1 mm
Minimum feature	0.1 mm	0.1 mm
Surface finish	Very smooth	Shows pixel grid at edges
Max build size	Up to 500×500×500 mm	Typically <200×200×200 mm
Resolution uniformity	Uniform across build	Varies (edge vs center)
Resin compatibility	Widest selection	Specific to machine vendor
Typical cost	$50-500 per part	$30-400 per part
Machine cost	$10K-250K range	$3K-100K range
Best for	Precision, large parts	Fast small parts

03 · Decision guide

When to choose each.

Choose SLA (Stereolithography) when:

Large parts up to 500mm build volume
Best accuracy (aerospace, medical prototypes)
Widest resin selection (engineering, medical, dental)
Fine detail at full build envelope
Established prototyping workflow
Single large complex part in one build

Choose DLP (Digital Light Processing) when:

Small precision parts (jewelry, dental)
Many small parts nested in one build
Fast turnaround for small models
Consumer product models under 200mm
Consistent per-layer time regardless of part count
Desktop or small industrial printing