One of the most widely-used rapid prototyping technologies for plastic models that require great looking models with impeccable surface quality.
WHY CHOOSE THINK3D
think3D has 6 SLA / DLP / MJP machines of various resolutions and build volumes in-house. With these machines, think3D can offer some of the best resin based 3D Printing solutions to customers across various industries.
Stereolithography (SL) is widely recognized as the first 3D printing process. It is an industrial 3D printing process used to create complex models, concepts and prototypes with excellent surface finish and accuracy. It is used for applications like jewelry, dentistry, casting and molds, as it supports high feature resolutions, and detailing.
Process
SLA is a laser-based process that works with photopolymer resins that react with the laser and cure to form a solid in a very precise way. A laser beam is directed in the X-Y axes across the surface of the resin according to the 3D data supplied to the machine (the .stl file), whereby the resin hardens precisely where the laser hits the surface. Once the layer is completed, the platform within the vat drops down by a fraction (in the Z axis) and the subsequent layer is traced out by the laser. This continues until the entire object is completed and the platform can be raised out of the vat for removal.
Because of the nature of the SL process, it requires support structures for some parts, specifically those with overhangs or undercuts. These structures need to be manually removed. In terms of other post processing steps, many objects 3D printed using SL need to be cleaned and cured. Curing involves subjecting the part to intense light in an oven-like machine to fully harden the resin.
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Master copies for vacuum casting and other low volume prototyping techniques
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Patterns for investment casting
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Functional testing prototypes
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Low volume/ limited edition products especially for complex geometries
- Visual prototypes for photo shoots and market testing
- Dental/ jewelry/ art and other sectors which require high detailing and finish
| Tensile Strength(MPa) | Flexural Modulus(GPa) | Impact Strength(J/m) | Heat Deflection Temperature(°C) |
| 38 – 65 | 1.3 – 2.2 | 16 – 25 | 42.7 – 58.4 @ 264 psi
49.7 – 73.1 @ 66 psi |
Grey (FLGPGR04)
| Tensile Strength(MPa) | Flexural Stress at 5% strain (MPa) | Impact Strength(J/m) (Post-cured) | Heat Deflection Temperature(°C) |
| 38 – 65 | 1.3 – 2.2 | 16 – 25 | 42.7 – 58.4 @ 264 psi
49.7 – 73.1 @ 66 psi |
Castable (FLCABL02)
| Tensile Strength(MPa) | Young’s Modulus (MPa) | Elongation at Failure | – |
| 11.6 | 220 | 13 % | – |
Castable Wax(FLCWPU01)
| Ultimate Tensile Strength(MPa) | Tensile Modulus(MPa) | Elongation at Break | Temp @ 5% Mass Loss(°C) |
| 11.6 | 220 | 13 % | 249 |
Flexible (FLFLGR02)
| Tensile Strength(MPa) | Tear Strength (kN/m) | Shore Hardness (A) | Heat Deflection Temperature(°C) |
| 3.3 – 3.4
7.7 – 8.5 (Post-Cured) |
9.5 – 9.6
13.3 – 14.1 (Post-Cured) |
70 – 75
80 – 85 (Post-Cured) |
231 °C
230 °C (Post-Cured) |
Minimum Wall thickness: 0.8 mm
Minimum details size: 2 mm (for text/ hole diameters etc)
Layer thickness: 0.05 mm – 0.1 mm
Max dimensions: 650 x 650 x 450 mm
Standard Accuracy: ± 0.2% (with lower limit on ± 0.2 mm). Dimensions tend to change with exposure to direct sunlight or another UV source
Lead Time: Minimum 2 working days for despatch
Surface finish: Smooth, with tiny visible layers
Basic: Support Removal, Curing, Smoothing
Add on: Primer, Coating/ Painting
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