Largest Rapid Prototyping and
Manufacturing Center in India
Manufacturing Center in India
Stereolithography - SLA
Stereolithography (SLA) is often considered the pioneer of the Rapid Prototyping industry with the first commercial system introduced in 1988 by 3D Systems. The SLA system consists of a Ultra-Violet Laser, a vat of photo-curable liquid resin, and a control system. As a free form fabrication technology it builds one layer at a time by tracing a beam of UV laser on the surface of photo-curable liquid resin. Each layer is scanned corresponding to the 3D CAD solid model. The platform moves downward such that the surface of the platform is a layer-thickness below the surface of the resin. With each subsequent layer a fresh layer of photopolymer resin flows across the part for the next scan sequence. This process continues until the model is complete. Once the part is complete, it is removed to a photo curing oven where it is exposed to UV light to complete the curing process. The additive layer characteristic of SLA allows the technology to build complex parts and geometries that may not be obtained, or cost effective, through other avenues such as machining. SLA models and patterns can be produced with the right STL or IGES data from any popular CAD system. The end product is an exact physical model, or SLA prototype, of the 3D drawing - giving designers, engineers, manufacturers, sales managers, marketing directors and prospective customers the opportunity to touch, feel and manipulate the envisioned part. In this way, design iterations can be made quickly and inexpensively, guaranteeing companies the best product possible, in the shortest time possible. The SLA model can also be hand-finished to your specifications. This includes anything from a rough-edged model to a glossy, painted real-life replica, depending on your needs. It's best to use SLA, when surface finish and overall appearance straight from the machine is the most important factor in the prototype. Stereolithography models can also be used as master models for Silicone Moulding/ RTV Moulding, when it comes time for multiple prototypes to be produced through secondary tooling. SLA still demands a leading position when it comes to holding close tolerances and smooth surface finish. However, its material properties are limited where robust or demanding performance applications are required. SLA Highlights
QuickCast ®
QuickCast is the next generation build style to produce light rigid investment casting patterns. This build style develops a hexagonal honey-comb like structure inside the part to make it hollow. These patterns are 10 to 35% lighter than those built with the regular build style. This also helps with the clear burn-out of patterns. In addition, SLA patterns are used as masters for sand casting as well. Frequently, parts produced by SLA are used as master patterns for urethane castings. The pattern is transferred to urethane castings using silicone rubber molds also known as RTVs (Room Temperature Vulcanization). The urethane castings are used in the customer's prototype or low-volume production applications. The SLA technology is extremely versatile and can be used in any application requiring a high degree of accuracy and surface quality.
SLA Finish Options
Our in-house special finishing techniques make it possible to provide the highest level of quality at competitive prices. Options for finishing include natural finish, Clearwater finish and color-matched painting, to give your model a "production quality" look and feel.
SLA set-up at Imaginarium
Machines for SLA System
Materials for SLA System
If you have a unique stereolithography requirement, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly look at the possible options for production of your part(s).  |
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