3D printing materials (SLA)
Description
3D printing is a rapidly advancing field for which there are multiple types of printing processes. This record is for Sterolithography (SLA) 3D printers. See 3D Printer for a description of all methods.
The first 3D printing process developed in the 1980s. Stereolithography (SLA) is a vat photopolymerization 3D printing process that uses a UV laser to cure liquid thermoset resin into solid plastic layer by layer. Renowned for its extreme precision and smooth surface finishes, it is widely used for highly detailed prototypes, dental models, and precise manufacturing patterns.
The SLA process of transforming 3D digital model into a physical form:
- The build platform is submerged in a vat of liquid resin then a UV laser selectively traces the first cross section layer of the model, thereby solidifying the polymer
- The build platform is shifted to allow new liquid to flow over the cured layer and the process is repeated for all layers (Note the forms can be built either top down or bottom up)
- The printed parts are rinsed to remove any excess uncured resin - usually in isopropyl alcohol
- The clean product is placed in a post-cure chamber with UV light and heat to ensure the polymerization is complete.
SLA parts have the highest resolution and accuracy, the clearest details, and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. Resin 3D printing is a great option for highly detailed prototypes requiring tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, as well as functional parts, such as molds, patterns, and end use parts. SLA 3D printed parts can also be post-processed after printing by polishing, painting, coating, and more, resulting in client-ready parts with high-quality finishes. The parts printed using SLA are isotropic meaning that their strength is consistent regardless of orientation.
Comparison Table
Note: The materials used in SLA printing are typically multicomponent formulations that are selected based on the structural needs and appearance required in the final product. The table below gives the basic characteristics of some of the major thermoset resins that can be used.
| Resin | Advantages | Disadvantages | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | Strong, durable, high temperature resistance, good for functional parts, inexpensive | Prone to warping, requires heated bed, strong odor, non-biodegradable | Functional parts, mechanical parts, enclosures, large areas |
| PET or PETG (Polyester, Polyester terephthalate glycol) | High strength and durability, flexible, recyclable, most commonly used, low odor, does not shrink or warp | Can be scratched easily, can absorb moisture, not easy to print | Almost anything, Food containers (select grades are food safe), bottles, mechanical parts |
| Nylon (Polyamide) | Very strong and durable, flexible, abrasion resistant, high temp resistance | Absorbs moisture (proper storage needed), can be difficult to print, releases odor | Functional parts, gears, bearings, tools |
| PMMA (Acrylic) | Strong, durable and rigid; Transparent and impact resistant | light diffusers | |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Flexible, good chemical resistance | Difficult to print | Flexible components |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Flexible, elastic, impact resistant, good for flexible parts | Can be difficult to print, requires specific settings | Flexible parts, phone cases, gaskets, seals |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | Extremely strong and durable, high temperature resistance, impact resistant | Difficult to print, requires high temperature, prone to warping | Functional parts, engineering prototypes, high-strength applications |
| ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) | UV resistant, weather resistant, strong, durable, good for outdoor use | Similar to ABS in printing difficulty, can have strong odor | Outdoor parts, automotive parts, weather-resistant applications |
| PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) | Extremely high temperature resistance, chemically resistant, very strong | Very expensive, very difficult to print, requires very high temperatures | High-performance applications, aerospace, medical implants |
- Note: The AIC Materials Testing Results page provides information on Oddy tests that were completed on numerous materials. Access their database, then use the search box to locate materials of interest.
Resources and Citations
- 3D Insider: 16 Types of 3D Printing Materials accessed Feb 2025
- Wikipedia: [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing_filament 3d Printing Filament] accessed Feb 2025