Stereolithography, SLA

Stereolithography is the most widely used rapid prototyping technology in the world currently.  This could well be down to the fact that stereolithography, SLA, was the first rapid prototyping service to be developed.  Rapid prototypes and models are produced by a sollid state laser being fired on to a photopolymer liquid material.  This material solidifies when impacted by the laser.  The rapid prototype is built up layer by layer in the stereolithography machine as the laser is moved short distances down the container as each layer is traced.  The material also bonds together eventually forming a complete prototype from 3D CAD files.

Stereolithography requires supports for the process unlike other rapid prototyping technologies.  These are usually added in the design phase and when the rapid prototyping process is complete the supports are removed.  Models and prototypes made using stereolithography typically require further photo curing.

The primary advantage of the stereolithography rapid prototyping process is that the end product is more detailed and better finished than those of other processes.  Stereolithography is also suitable to be used for making large rapid prototypes.