Introduction to SLA

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is a style of additive manufacturing where a vat of resin is cured layer by layer by a UV laser or UV LCD screen. Each layer is cured on the previous layer to create the final resin part as shown below.

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The Sherman Center Maker Space has a Form 2 3D printer which uses this technology to create resin parts.

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Advantages:

  1. Isotropic parts (strong in all material directions)
  2. Smooth and clean surface finish

Drawbacks:

  1. Parts take a long time to post process. SLA parts need to be washed with IPA and cured with UV light and their support material must be removed before the parts can be used. This process is significantly more tedious than FDM 3D printing.
  2. Thin and long parts often warp. Depending on material choice, thin and long features can warp or bend.

Part Design:

To understand how to design parts for SLA printing, visit Designing Parts for SLA 3D Printing

Slicing Parts for Printing:

The Form 2 printer uses a software called PreFrom that you can download here.

Printing Parts:

NOTE: Before you print anything, make sure you have passed the required 3D printer training.

Post Processing Parts:

  1. Lift the orange cover once the build is complete and remove the build plate. Be careful not to spill any dripping resin anywhere. You can leave the build plate in the machine for 10 minutes or so after the print to let the majority of resin drip off.