select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

SLA wall thickness issue for microfluidic channels

0
B
1

Hi, I created a 3D design for a small microfluidic part using SLA (Clear Resin) with internal channels ~0.4 mm wide and wall thickness around 0.5 mm. The function relies on optical inspection through the walls, so transparency and dimensional accuracy are critical. However, in my first print, the walls came out distorted and slightly bulged, affecting both fit and visual clarity. Has anyone found a reliable minimum wall thickness for such features, or specific design tweaks that reduce distortion in thin, clear SLA parts?

    • B

      Hi, I created a 3D design for a small microfluidic part using SLA (Clear Resin) with internal channels ~0.4 mm wide and wall thickness around 0.5 mm. The function relies on optical inspection through the walls, so transparency and dimensional accuracy are critical. However, in my first print, the walls came out distorted and slightly bulged, affecting both fit and visual clarity. Has anyone found a reliable minimum wall thickness for such features, or specific design tweaks that reduce distortion in thin, clear SLA parts?

      0
    • c

      I’ve had similar issues with clear resin. At your specs, you are likely hitting limits where the bulging and distortion is caused by light bleed and peel forces. I’d suggest increasing the wall thickness to at least 0.7-0.8 mm. Thinner walls will likely bulge or warp during printing and post-curing. Also, printing your part at an angle (30-45°) will help with distortion by minimizing peel forces. You can also add fillets at the wall bases to reduce stress. For clarity, you can post-process with fine sanding and a clear resin dip. Hope this helps.

      0
      Reply
SLA wall thickness issue for microfluidic channels
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Thermal expansion modelling for a braced rectangular steel tank
hi, for a welded steel coolant reservoir for a test stand - 4 m × 2 m × 1.5 m with internal bracing I need to account for thermal expansion. Fluid runs at 80–90... read more
B
0
163
Dec 22
Designing holes for M3 threaded inserts in an ABS enclosure
Hi! In my design for a small ABS enclosure for an onboard sensor module I want to switch from molded bosses to heat-set M3 inserts for the lid screws. Before I finalize CAD, what... read more
A
o
1
301
Dec 23
Airtight joint between two aluminum frame enclosures?
Hi, I have two 400 mm cubical enclosures from 20×20 mm aluminum profiles with glass on all sides except one. I need to connect them into a single temperature-controlled unit and keep the joint... read more
M
D
F
2
362
Dec 29
How to correctly specify standard and non-standard threads in a technical drawing?
For a machined part that has both standard and non-standard thread types, what’s the best way to call out threads in the technical drawing? In particular, should I use thread callouts or full detail... read more
I
R
6
923
Nov 14
Drawing callout for tight tolerance over short bore length
hi, I have an aluminum housing for a small gearbox where the bearing seats are, of course, critical. I need to hold tight tolerances on the ID and OD, but only over a short... read more
A
S
4
656
Oct 31