3D Printing

We specialize in Stereolithography (SLA) printing*. SLA is an additive manufacturing technology that converts liquid materials into solid parts, layer by layer, by selectively curing resin using a UV light source in a process called photopolymerization. Stereolithography (SLA) is widely used to create models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts for a range of industries from engineering and product design to manufacturing, dental, jewelry, model making, and medical applications.

SLA printed parts are ideal for engineering prototyping applications, since they reflect the range of properties associated with common injection-molded thermoplastics and don’t suffer from delamination or surface porosity. The chemical bonding process and the lack of visible layer lines inside the parts allows for printing of optically clear parts. Our printers can create accurate parts with repeatable dimensions. This is essential for functional applications, such engineering assemblies, jewelry casting masters, or surgical models. General accuracy of SLA prints is 50 to 200 microns depending on size, resin, model geometry and support generation.

We offer standard resins which are ideal for general models and optical parts such a light pipes. We also offer engineering resins simulate a range of injection-molded plastics, helping engineers and product designers conceptualize, prototype, test, and manufacture final products. With material characteristics like tough, durable, flexible, or temperature resistant these resins are used to create functional parts from assemblies to injection molds, soft-touch surfaces and consumer products.

We offer materials that can mimic polypropylene, ABS, glass filled nylon, and flexible materials. We can also print in high temperature materials able to withstand temperatures as high as 238 °C.

One application of SLA prints we use often, is the creation of molds for casting of silicone or other materials. We can either doing the casting for you or create a mold for you.

Contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss the various options.

*The other major way to 3D print is via Fused Deposition Modeling and is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level. FDM 3D printers build parts by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament, which a nozzle deposits layer by layer. FDM works with a range of standard thermoplastics, such as ABS, PLA, and their various blends. The technique is well-suited for basic proof-of-concept models, as well as quick and low-cost prototyping, such as parts that might typically be machined. We do have and use FDM printers in our work. For 3D printing services in FDM, our friends at Spectra3D are experts in this area.