The production of plastic prototypes by stereolithography is suitable for unit production of geometrically complex shapes to perform visual tests, marketing validation or ergonomic tests.
Stereolithography (also known as “SLA”) is a so-called “additive” design process. Before the widespread use of 3D printing, it was commonly known as “3D stereolithography”. The part is manufactured by addition of plastic material solidified by a UV laser.
Stereolithography, also known as SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) is the oldest and most frequently used rapid prototyping technology. This production method allows the quick creation of models or plastic parts with high precision, large dimensions, and complex geometries.
Technical details of stereolithography
In rapid prototyping by stereolithography, the part is custom-made by adding successive layers of photosensitive resin. The SLA machine is controlled by computer and manufactures according to a computer file. A UV laser is used to solidify the liquid material. The resins used can be epoxy, acrylic or similar to ABS. The choice of resins depends on the desired visual and mechanical properties. For example, there are resins that are transparent, water-resistant, more or less rigid, simulating the properties of ABS, etc. Nevertheless, the choice remains limited.
Applications
Stereolithography is ideal for the rapid visualization of an object. This production method is often used by designers to visually validate a design. The models have high precision with geometries that can be relatively complex. In vacuum casting, this process is used to create the key parts needed to design molds. Stereolithography is generally recommended for production sizes smaller than 3 copies of a part. The prototypes obtained have a smooth surface to which certain finishes can be applied.
Value of 3D printing by stereolithography
The creation of plastic prototypes by stereolithography is suitable for unit production for relatively complex geometric shapes. This manufacturing method is used for visual testing, ergonomics testing or marketing validation. The main advantages of stereolithography are its speed and low cost of production. However, as with 3D printing, the choice of resins is relatively limited and often similar. Stereolithography does not always allow the desired finishes to be obtained. Finally, the mechanical properties are also very limited. Therefore, this prototyping process is not relevant for parts with strict technical constraints where the functional parameters are important.
To learn more about stereolithography you can read our below articles :
- History of stereolithography
- Advantages and limitations of stereolithography
- The alternatives to stereolithography
- Parts feasible in stereolithography
- Photopolymerization in stereolithography
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Comments (5)
Hi there !
I’m a designer and I would like to prototype one idea. It is a basket that you put in the shower cabine and at least I would like to use PVC for it. I think that is not possible to 3D print products in PVC so for the prototype if it’s in ABS or PET dosn’t matter for me but it has to be resistant. The measurements are 300x400x130 (High, Width, Deep). I got the STL file or I can save it in the folder that you need, I work with SolidWorks.
I need only 2 units for now. If the printing got a good quality and if the tests are conclusive, I will probably come back to you to produice it in small quantities for the market.
First I would like to know about the price that it will cost us, and mostly the time that it will take between sending you the file and receive the prototypes.
Looking forward your answer and our collaboration.
Best regards.
Wagane THIAM
Hi how much would it cost me to get a prototype of something like this: https://ibb.co/YWrxVmH
(The black is rubber so that isnt included in the print)
And what would be the cost to ship it?
Thanks in advance.
Hello there !
For a proto like this we need to know much more details before confirming the price.
Please specifiy :
– Material
– Color
– Finishing
– Quantity needed
shipping will be around 30 USD
I need to get a quote for a 3-D printed small electrical box with hole for a conduit, similar to this:
http://www.beltclips.com/store/Metal-belt-clip-661-Tempered-Belt-Clip.html
Could you provide a quote for 50-100 pieces?
Hi,
Many thanks for your comment,
One of our sales will get back to you with a quote very shortly,
The Prototech team