{"id":11542,"date":"2023-09-08T14:20:19","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T17:30:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T15:30:42","slug":"3d-printing-sla-overview","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing Technology overview"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-does-stereolithography-work\">How Does Stereolithography Work?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#materials-for-sla-3d-printing\">Materials for SLA 3D Printing<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#advantages-of-stereolithography\">Advantages of Stereolithography<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#limitations-of-stereolithography\">Limitations of Stereolithography<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#xometrys-sla-3d-printing-services\">Xometry\u2019s SLA 3D Printing Services<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/sla-3d-printing\/\">Stereolithography (SLA)<\/a> belongs to the VAT polymerisation category of 3D printing that utilizes light curable thermoset resins to build parts. It is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces extremely accurate and high-resolution parts that are capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-stereolithography-work\">How Does Stereolithography Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>An SLA printer consists of four primary sections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A tank filled with the liquid resin which is usually a clear and liquid plastic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A perforated platform is immersed in the resin tank. It can be lowered into the tank and can move up and down along the Z-direction depending on&nbsp; the printing process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A high-powered, ultraviolet laser<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A computer control unit that controls both the platform and the UV laser movements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"492\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SLA-3D-Printing-process.png\" alt=\"SLA 3D Printing process\" class=\"wp-image-1935\" style=\"max-width:337px;max-height:277px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SLA-3D-Printing-process.png 492w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SLA-3D-Printing-process-300x246.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SLA-3D-Printing-process.png\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11542\" data-caption=\"SLA 3D Printing process\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SLA-3D-Printing-process.png\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SLA 3D Printing process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wVKUEszUmmc-69da2d52e95bd\" data-video-id=\"wVKUEszUmmc\" class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-wrapper\" style=\"width:100%;height:56.25%;padding-top:56.25%;\" data-new-window=\"\" data-yt-parameters=\"WyJtYXgtd2lkdGg9XHUyMDFjNzAwcHhcIiJd\"><picture class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnail\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_hq720.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_hq720.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_sddefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_sddefault.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_hqdefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_hqdefault.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/wVKUEszUmmc\/wVKUEszUmmc_mqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><svg class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-button\"><use xlink:href=\"#ma-gdpr-youtube-play-button\"><\/use><\/svg><div class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-notice\" style=\"font-size:.7em;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1 <\/strong>&#8211; The UV laser draws the first layer of the print into the photosensitive resin. Wherever the laser incidents, the photo liquid solidifies. The laser is directed to the appropriate coordinates according to the design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2 <\/strong>&#8211;<strong> <\/strong>After the first layer, the platform is raised according to the layer thickness (about 0.1 mm) and the additional resin is allowed to flow below the already-printed portion. The laser then solidifies the next and the process is repeated until the whole part is complete. The resin that is not touched by the laser remains and can be reused.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3<\/strong> &#8211; After finishing the part, the platform rises out of the resin tank and the excess resin is drained. At the end of the process, the model is removed from the platform, washed of excess resin with alcohol and then placed in a UV oven for final curing. Post-print curing enables objects to reach the highest possible strength and become more stable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4 <\/strong>&#8211; The support structures are removed during the post-processing process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"materials-for-sla-3d-printing\">Materials for SLA 3D Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Amongst the most widely used materials for SLA, Xometry offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rigid plastics: <\/strong>such as ABS SL 7820, PC \u2013 Like Heat Resist Translucent, Xtreme Polypropylene&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Silicone rubbers:<\/strong> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/materials\/true-silicone\/\">True Silicone<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-White-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-White-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLA ABS-like White\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-White-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLA ABS-like White<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Clear-as-printed-Front_1-1440x960-2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Clear-as-printed-Front_1-1440x960-2.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLA Industrial Transparent, ABS-like\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Clear-as-printed-Front_1-1440x960-2.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLA Industrial Transparent, ABS-like<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Grey-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Grey-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLA Industrial Grey, ABS-like\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Grey-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLA Industrial Grey, ABS-like<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Black-Closeup_1-1440x953-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Black-Closeup_1-1440x953-1-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLA Industrial Black\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Black-Closeup_1-1440x953-1-1.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLA Industrial Black<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Heat-Resistant-Closeup_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Heat-Resistant-Closeup_1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLA Standard Heat resistant, PC-like\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Heat-Resistant-Closeup_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLA Standard Heat resistant, PC-like<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-White-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Clear-as-printed-Front_1-1440x960-2.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Grey-Front-1440x960-1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-ABS-like-Black-Closeup_1-1440x953-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/SLA-Heat-Resistant-Closeup_1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advantages-of-stereolithography\">Advantages of Stereolithography<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>SLA is one of the most reliable and precise 3D printing methods for prototyping and also for industry grade applications with high resolution. It has a set of advantages that makes it unique.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sla-offers-fine-details-and-high-precision\">SLA Offers Fine Details and High Precision<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Layer thickness obtained by stereolithography is very less (0.05 to 0.10 mm) and with the very thin laser beam, it is possible to obtain minute complex features with a very realistic finish. It is also possible to create small parts with high definition, as well as larger parts up to two meters in size, while maintaining high precision and tight tolerances.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stereolithography-is-good-for-complex-designs\">Stereolithography is Good for Complex Designs<\/h3>\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-design-tips\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-3d-prints-scaled.png\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-design-tips\/\" class=\"aside-link\">SLA 3D Printing Design Guidelines: 8 Essential Tips<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Even though SLA utilizes support structures, it is good for complex designs since it uses resins unlike its counterparts like SLS and MJF which uses powders. The resin usage gives fluidity to the design which helps in achieving complex internal features.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sla-parts-have-a-smooth-surface-finish\">SLA Parts Have a Smooth Surface Finish<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Since SLA utilizes resin materials, the surface finish will be glass-like and can replace normal prototypes made from MJF or SLS. Due to its top quality surface finish and high definition, the external as well as internal details can be seen perfectly. It is also good for functional prototypes for a general overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"3D printing SLA gray part\" class=\"wp-image-1936\" style=\"max-width:724px;max-height:483px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808.jpg 1261w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11542\" data-caption=\"3D printing SLA gray part\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3dprinting-plastic-sla-gray-challengepart-somos-taurus-006-20180808.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3D printing SLA gray part<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"no-wastage-of-material-with-sla\">No Wastage of Material with SLA<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The thermoset resin that is drained after the part is made can be used again without any wastage. The material waste produced by SLA is negligible and is also a key factor in choosing SLA as a cheaper option for 3D printing projects<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sla-parts-are-food-grade-and-biocompatible\">SLA Parts are Food Grade and Bio-compatible<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Resins like True Silicone which are used in stereolithography are bio compatible and one of the major advantages of SLA. Other technologies like MJF don&#8217;t have the food grade or bio compatible materials to print, making SLA one of the best technologies to print medical implants or food containers.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"limitations-of-stereolithography\">Limitations of Stereolithography<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"limited-choice-of-sla-compatible-materials-to-print\">Limited Choice of SLA Compatible Materials to Print<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>SLA printing does not offer a wide selection of materials to print like FDM. Even with resins, it only utilises thermosetting resins which makes the technology very limited with build materials.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-vs-fdm\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/fdm-sla-3d-priting-comparison.png\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-vs-fdm\/\" class=\"aside-link\">3D Technologies Comparison: SLA vs. FDM<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stereolithography-is-quite-expensive\">Stereolithography is Quite Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Stereolithography is more expensive compared to its cheaper counterparts like MJF and FDM that also are widely used to build prototypes. This is mostly due to more expensive photochemical processes and materials.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sla-materials-have-low-mechanical-properties\">SLA Materials Have Low Mechanical Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Most standard resins are good for delicate, detailed structures, majorly used for exhibition purposes like prototypes. SLA resins are not comparable in strength and mechanical performance to filaments such as PC, nylon, PETG or other tough FDM materials. Hence they are not recommended for intense stress operations or cyclical loads.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sla-has-a-low-volume-of-production\">SLA Has a Low Volume of Production<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>SLA 3D printing resins typically cost more and produce less parts per unit of resin than FDM 3D printing filament spools or MJF powders. They usually have smaller build volumes when compared to FDM 3D printers and are not advisable for a batch production because of the time and cost compared to its counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"xometrys-sla-3d-printing-services\">Xometry\u2019s SLA 3D Printing Services<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Xometry Europe offers <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/sla-3d-printing\/\">stereolithography<\/a> services online, for on-demand 3D printing projects, for both prototypes and large batches. With a network of more than 2,000 partners all over Europe, Xometry is able to deliver SLA 3D printing parts in up to 3 days. Upload your CAD files to <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.eu\/\">Xometry Instant Quoting Engine<\/a> to get an instant quote with various manufacturing options available for SLA 3D printing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11544,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[468],"class_list":["post-11542","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing-eu"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Overview | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about stereolithography: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Overview | Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about stereolithography: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-10T15:30:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3D-printed-parts-via-SLA.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"445\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/\",\"name\":\"Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Overview | Xometry Pro\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/3D-printed-parts-via-SLA.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-09-08T14:20:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-10T15:30:42+00:00\",\"description\":\"Everything you need to know about stereolithography: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-EU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-EU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/3D-printed-parts-via-SLA.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/3D-printed-parts-via-SLA.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":445,\"caption\":\"3D printed parts via SLA\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-sla-overview\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"3D Printing\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/global-tag\\\/3d-printing-eu\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing Technology overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-eu\\\/\",\"name\":\"Xometry Pro\",\"description\":\"Knowledge &amp; 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