Stereolithography or SLA 3D Printing Services Perth
Afaridan Plastics provides professional SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing services in Perth, producing detailed prototypes, precision components and small-medium production runs.
Using commercial-grade resin 3D printers, including the Formlabs Form 4 and large-format Form 3L, we manufacture parts where fine detail, dimensional accuracy and surface finish are important.
SMOOTH SURFACE FINISH | PROTOTYPES & END-USE PRINTS | LOCAL PRODUCTION IN PERTH, WA
What is Stereolithography or SLA 3D Printing?
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing that uses UV light to cure UV sensitive resin. A UV light is directed to a location on a build plate submerged in resin causing it to solidify. This process is repeated over and over again to slowly develop the part.
Stereolithography is somewhat similar to fused deposition modelling as it relies on building successive layers on top of one another. Unlike FDM printing, which extrudes melted plastic through a nozzle, SLA uses liquid resin to reproduce fine features and smooth surfaces with minimal visible layer lines.
After printing, parts are washed, supports are removed and the material is post-cured as required to achieve its intended properties.
SLA 3D Print showing fine detail possible due to accuracy and precision of the stereolithography process.
The main distinguishing factor between SLA (resin) and FDM (filament) is the resolution and layer height that can be achieved.
The layer height of SLA printers is generally 0.025mm to 0.1mm, significantly smaller than FDM.
With a resolution of around 0.5 mm the final product appears almost completely smooth. This precision allows for small parts to be produced accurately.
Unlike SLS or Selective Laser Sintering, SLA requires support structures similar to FDM. This can mean some clean up and/or sanding may be required after printing, washing, and curing.
When to print with Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is particularly suited to applications where appearance, precision or fine detail is a priority. It is commonly used for product prototypes, detailed housings, small mechanical components, and parts with intricate features that are difficult to produce using conventional manufacturing methods.
It can also be used for functional prototypes and certain end-use components, provided the correct resin is selected.
Stereolithography is often reserved for small or highly detailed parts. However, with our Form 4 and Form 3L, Afaridan can print much larger parts up to 335 × 200 × 300 mm. SLA, like FDM, is suitable for small runs and prototyping. Especially when the component has complex geometry that cannot be produced with subtractive manufacturing (i.e. CNC Machining).
The main benefits of SLA over other 3D printing are the surface finish and the variety of materials available. Amazingly, with our medical printer, Afaridan can 3D print certified dental and medical materials. A testament to the power of 3D printing.
Depending on the resin, SLA it isn't always the best choice for parts exposed to repeated impacts, sustained loads or demanding environmental conditions. This may be better suited to SLS 3D printing.
If you need help selecting the right process to manufacture your part please contact our team.
Layer lines of a FDM 3D print showing the effects on a final part.
SLA Materials
By its very nature, SLA is restricted to UV sensitive resins. Despite this there are a number of colours and varieties available to choose from. Furthermore, some modern engineering-grade resins are more UV stable than they used to be and suitable for industrial 3D printing.
There are a large variety of resins available, from general purpose and engineering-grade, to dental, medical, and even jewellery materials. Most commonly, Afaridan will printing with engineering resins which can have high impact resistance, rigidity, or even flexibility.
Modern SLA resins are available with a wide range of mechanical and thermal properties, making the technology useful beyond visual prototypes.
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Standard resins: Detailed models, prototypes and parts requiring a smooth surface finish.
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Tough and durable resins: Functional components requiring improved impact resistance compared with standard resins.
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Flexible and elastic resins: Compliant components, grips, seals and other rubber-like applications.
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High-temperature and specialist resins: Applications requiring heat resistance, stiffness or other material properties.
Resin selection depends on the part's intended use, operating conditions and required performance. It is best to speak to our 3D printing team to discuss which resin will be best for your application.
Our SLA 3D Printing Capabilities
Afaridan operates professional SLA printers for both small and detailed components as well as larger prototypes.
Our primary resin printers include the Form 4 with a build volume of 200 x 125 x 210mm and the Form 3L with a build volume of 335 x 200 x 300. We are use the Form 3B+ for medical or dental prints. These printers are commercial grade units, not hobbyist machines.
Importantly, our SLA printers are not massive machines which require hundreds or thousands of parts printed in one batch to be economical. In summary, our resin printers give the best possible outcome, without incurring extremely large investments from our clients.
Beyond our resin printers, with also operate a fleet of industrial SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) machines and more affordable FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers.
Resin 3D Printing Quotes
If you have a 3D model or component that requires printing, contact Afaridan Plastics with your requirements. We can review the design and recommend an appropriate printing process, material and manufacturing approach. We can also quote for 3D modelling and/or mechanical engineering services.