Commonly known as resin 3D printing, stereolithography (SLA) belongs to the category of vat photopolymerizaton additive manufacturing. SLA 3D printing uses an ultraviolet (UV) laser directed by a software-controlled mirror to selectively cure and solidify photopolymer liquid resin layer by layer. Structural supports are generated during the pre-build setup process and manually removed after the print is completed. Parts are then washed to remove any uncured resin and placed in a UV oven for final curing. Post-print curing increases the strength and stability of resin parts.

Parts printed with SLA technology have high resolution and accuracy, sharp details, and a smooth surface finish. With a range of advanced materials, SLA 3D printing supplies the versatility for a broad range of applications including jigs and fixtures, end-use parts, and robust functional prototypes.