Stereolithography 3D print

Stereolithography 3D print
Stereolithography (SLA) is one of the most common 3D printing methods. Imagine that you are creating a three -dimensional object, a layer by a layer, as if building it from very small sand. Instead of sand, photopolymer resin is used here, and with a construction tool - a laser beam.
How does this work?
The SLA process is based on the principles of photopolymerization. In a special container there is a photosensitive resin. A laser beam directed by a computer system,? Draws? On the surface of the resin, the transverse cut of the future object. Under the influence of the laser, the resin hardens, forming a layer. Then the platform drops down, and the process is repeated, the layer by the layer until the entire voluminous object is formed. Each layer is very thin - about the tenth of a millimeter. It is important that the resin that has not exposed to the laser remains liquid and is easily removed after the process is completed.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
This 3D printing method is highly accurate and detail. The resulting objects have a smooth surface and complex shapes. Thanks to this, SLA is suitable for creating prototypes, jewelry, medical implants and other complex details.
But there are also minuses. SLA requires special materials - photopolymer resins, which can be quite expensive. In addition, after printing, the product often needs additional processing, for example, grinding or varnishing. It is also necessary to provide suitable conditions for working with resins, as they can have a specific smell. Given these features, SLA is a technology that requires a certain level of training and experience.
Application in various areas
SLA is widely used in various fields. In industry, it is used to create complex prototypes that allow you to quickly evaluate the functionality and ergonomics of products. In medicine - for the manufacture of individual implants. In design and architecture - to create visualization and prototypes of architectural solutions. In jewelry - for the manufacture of unique jewelry with a high degree of detail. So, despite some difficulties, 3D printing by SLA technology is constantly developing and finds more and more new areas of application.