Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SL) was the world’s first 3D printing technology, and it remains a great option for highly detailed prototypes that require tight tolerances and smooth surfaces. It uses a UV laser to cure and solidify fine layers of photopolymer in an open vat.

Benefits

Stereolithography is great for prototyping parts that will ultimately be painted or coated because the models can be finished using the same materials and processes as the end product. Transparent, heat resistant and moisture-resistant materials are also attractive for medical, automotive and other prototypes that call for flow visualization, light transmittance or thermo-stability. Product designers opt for SL models when a quick build time is crucial, and they can invest time and resources into additional finishing processes. SL can also produce master patterns for urethane casting, and investment casting patterns that are used to produce metal parts for aerospace, automotive, power generation and medical applications.