Product Description
3D printing parts can be categorized based on different printing processes or technologies. The following are common categorizations of 3D printed parts based on the manufacturing process:
Technology | SLA (Stereolithography) | SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) |
Definition | Uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer | Uses a laser to fuse powdered plastic into solid parts |
Production Method | A light-sensitive resin is selectively hardened in a tank | Powder is spread and sintered in layers inside a powder bed |
Best for | High-detail visual models, smooth surface finishes | Durable prototypes, complex shapes, functional parts |
Material Type | Photopolymer resin | Nylon and other thermoplastics |
Support Needed | Requires support structures that are removed after printing | No added supports needed – powder itself supports the part |
Common Use | Display models, dental molds, concept designs | Engineering samples, snap-fit parts, low-run end-use items |
There are many reasons that make SLA Rapid Prototyping preferable over all other techniques.
1.Precision and Accuracy
Now, talking about precision, SLA is undoubtedly great at that. The way it adds detailed features to your prototypes, it’s just highly commendable. Either you are looking forward to getting thin and sturdy walls or edgy corners, SLA can provide you that with great easiness.
2.Complex Designing
Another appreciable thing about SLA Rapid Prototyping is that it is a very reliable technique with complex designs and features.
3.Best Dimensional Tolerances
Considering all the techniques and methods of manufacturing prototypes, SLA is the one with the tightest tolerances.
4.Smooth Structures
Have you been worrying all this time about getting prototypes with rough outlooks or surfaces? Well, not anymore with SLA Rapid Prototyping.
5.Large Sized Prototypes
Not all 3D Rapid Printing methods are good with manufacturing reliable large-sized prototypes. But with SLA Rapid Prototyping, you can definitely get size with great precision.
1.Household
3D printing is used for creating customized and personalized products. This includes home decor items, tools, and household accessories. Additionally, 3D printing allows for the rapid prototyping of product designs for the home environment.
2.Electronics
In the electronics industry, 3D printing plays a crucial role in rapid prototyping of electronic components, casings, and enclosures. It allows for the quick iteration of designs and the production of intricate and customized parts. 3D printing is also used to create specialized components for electronic devices.
3.Automotive
Used for prototyping, custom components, and tooling in the automotive manufacturing process.
4.Medical
3D printed parts are extensively used in the medical industry for producing custom-designed outer casings and enclosures for various medical devices. This application allows for precise customization, lightweight designs, and rapid prototyping, contributing to the advancement of medical equipment.
FAQ
1.How the SLA rapid prototyping came into being?
The first-ever purpose of SLA was to help engineers. With this technique, they became able to manufacture prototypes based on their ideas and designs. The SLA Rapid Prototyping also helped them in testing their equipment before actually utilizing it. This ensured the equipment’s safety and strength.
2.How much does your SLA printing service cost?
The cost of your 3D printed parts depends on factors such as part volume, part complexity, choice of material, which 3D printing technology is used, and if any post processing is required.
3.How can I reduce the cost of my 3D prints?
In order to reduce the cost of your 3D prints you need to understand the impact certain factors have on cost. The main cost influencing factors are the material type, individual part volume, printing technology and post-processing requirements.
Once these have been decided, an easy way to further cut costs is to reduce the amount of material used. This can be done by decreasing the size of your model, hollowing it out, and eliminating the need for support structures.
4.What substances are used as raw material in SLA rapid prototyping?
One of the appreciable things about the SLA method is it offers a wide variety of polymers to choose from.All the materials used in this method have different chemical and mechanical properties too. This means you can make your prototypes with the exact properties you want them to have.
5.How is SLA rapid prototyping advantageous in medicine?
This method offers precision and accuracy while working. That is one of the reasons SLA Rapid Prototyping is used for manufacturing delicate products like optics and optical instruments.