SLA / RESIN PRINTING

Stereolithography & DLP — High Precision with Photopolymer Resin

Platform: https://3d.dglabs.cloud

What is SLA printing?

SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) are additive manufacturing technologies based on liquid photopolymer resin. Unlike FDM, they do not melt plastic: they selectively cure liquid resin with UV light, layer by layer, achieving extremely smooth surfaces and micrometric details impossible to reach with filament-based printing.

How does it work?

  1. 01

    Resin preparation

    Liquid photopolymer resin is poured into a vat with a transparent FEP membrane at the bottom, forming the base of the print volume.

  2. 02

    UV exposure layer by layer

    A UV laser (SLA) or a UV-backlit LCD screen (MSLA/DLP) projects the cross-section of each layer, selectively curing the resin in fractions of a second.

  3. 03

    Build plate lifting

    After each exposure, the build plate rises by one layer thickness (25–100 µm), allowing fresh uncured resin to flow under the exposure area.

  4. 04

    Post-print washing

    The printed part is washed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or in a dedicated UV washing station to remove any uncured resin remaining on the surface.

  5. 05

    Final UV curing

    The washed part is placed in a UV curing chamber for several minutes to complete polymerization and reach its final hardness and mechanical properties.

Available resin types

SLA resins are classified by their mechanical properties and specific application. Each type is formulated to meet a specific set of requirements.

Standard Resin

General-Purpose Photopolymer Resin

The most widely used resin for SLA/DLP printing. It offers the best balance between detail level, price and printability. Available in multiple colors, transparent and in high-pigmentation variants.

Pros

  • Extremely high resolution and surface detail
  • Smooth surface with no visible layer lines
  • Wide variety of colors and finishes
  • Affordable within the resin range
  • Compatible with most SLA/DLP printers

Cons

  • Brittle: low impact resistance
  • Sensitive to UV light once cured (may yellow over time)
  • Requires PPE when handling (skin irritant)
  • Not food-safe or biocompatible by default
  • Mandatory post-processing (washing + curing)
Use casesWargaming miniatures, collectible figures, architectural scale models, presentation prototypes, decorative objects and display jewelry.

ABS-Like Resin

High-Impact Resistance Resin

Formulated to simulate the mechanical properties of ABS thermoplastic. It offers greater toughness and less brittleness than standard resin, while maintaining the ultra-high resolution of SLA technology.

Pros

  • Greater toughness and impact resistance than standard resin
  • Less prone to sudden brittle fracture
  • High dimensional accuracy
  • Better thermal tolerance (~65 °C)
  • Smooth surface finish

Cons

  • Higher cost than standard resin
  • Still brittle compared to FDM thermoplastics
  • Requires PPE and adequate ventilation
  • Post-curing must be precise to achieve optimal properties
Use casesFunctional prototypes, device enclosures, fit-and-assembly parts, small-scale mechanical testing models.

Flexible Resin

Elastomeric / Rubber-Like Resin

A specially formulated resin to produce flexible and compressible parts, simulating the behavior of rubber or silicone with the high resolution detail inherent to resin printing.

Pros

  • High flexibility and elastic recovery
  • Tear and permanent-deformation resistance
  • Excellent surface detail despite its flexibility
  • Ideal for soft-part prototypes
  • Enables complex geometries impossible in conventional rubber

Cons

  • Slightly tacky surface even after curing
  • More difficult to print (lower speeds required)
  • Expensive compared to rigid resins
  • Lower dimensional accuracy than rigid resins
  • Reduced FEP vat lifespan due to adhesive properties
Use casesGaskets and seals, buttons, flexible accessories, medical soft-tissue models, conceptual footwear and rubber component prototypes.

Castable Resin

Lost-Wax Casting Resin

Designed specifically for the lost-wax casting process in jewelry. It burns out cleanly in the kiln with no residue, enabling metal ornamentation pieces to be produced with the extreme detail level of SLA printing.

Pros

  • 100% clean burnout (no ash or mold residue)
  • Extreme detail for set stones and filigree
  • Compatible with gold, silver and platinum alloys
  • Reproduces textures and engravings imperceptible to the touch
  • Fully integratable into the artisan jewelry workflow

Cons

  • High cost compared to other resins
  • Not suitable for direct functional or decorative parts
  • Requires external casting equipment
  • Storage sensitive to light and temperature
  • Very specific printing parameters required
Use casesHigh-end jewelry, artistic goldsmithing, engagement rings, miniature heraldic shields and models for small-series metal casting.

Dental Resin

Certified Biocompatible Resin (Class I / IIa)

A medical-grade resin formulated for intraoral and odontological applications. It meets international biocompatibility standards (ISO 10993) and produces models with dimensional precision above 50 µm.

Pros

  • Certified biocompatible for prolonged intraoral contact
  • Dimensional precision above 50 µm
  • Smooth surface for easy hygiene and polishing
  • Resistant to the oral environment (saliva, pH variation)
  • Shades available according to standard dental shade guides

Cons

  • Very high cost compared to conventional resins
  • Requires certified printer, curing lamp and workflow
  • Strict and documented post-processing per regulations
  • Shorter shelf life than conventional resins
  • For use under supervision of dental professionals only
Use casesDental study models, surgical guides, removable denture bases, clear aligners and prosthesis prototypes for clinical planning.

High-Temp Resin

Heat-Resistant Resin (HDT > 200 °C)

A technical resin formulated to withstand temperatures far above those of standard resins. It maintains its shape and mechanical properties under heat, making it a real alternative to engineering thermoplastics for tooling and thermal prototypes.

Pros

  • Heat deflection temperature (HDT) above 200 °C
  • High stiffness and dimensional stability at temperature
  • Suitable for thermoforming tooling and epoxy resin molds
  • Smooth surface and high-quality technical finish
  • Compatible with industrial adhesives and coatings

Cons

  • Very brittle: low impact resistance
  • Post-curing is critical: time and temperature must be exact
  • Very high price
  • Requires thicker walls than standard resins to prevent fracture
  • Hard to machine or drill after printing
Use casesTooling for high-temperature processes, engine part prototypes, mold inserts, inspection jigs and thermal component testing.

When to choose SLA vs FDM?

SLA printing is irreplaceable when a project demands perfectly smooth surfaces, sub-millimeter detail or specialized applications like jewelry or dentistry. For large-format, high mechanical-strength or cost-effective parts, FDM printing is the ideal alternative.

Discover FDM printing →

Ready to print in SLA?

Upload your file and receive a personalized quote in less than 2 hours. No commitment, no minimums.