Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

University of Technology
Department of Production Engineering and Metallurgy

Name: Aya Saleem

Branch: CAD/CAM
Stage: fourth

Stereolithography (SLA)
Rapid prototyping (RP) is a freeform manufacturing process
that allows users to fabricate a real physical part directly from a
CAD (computer- aided design) model. The CAD model is sliced
into many layers by any number of software packages that can
also prepare the part for whichever layered manufacturing
machine is to be used. Model or assembly is usually completed
using additive manufacturing, or more commonly known as 3D
printing.

Classification of Rapid Prototyping

1. Liquid Based Rabid Prototyping System
• Stereolithography (SLA)
2. Solid Based Rabid Prototyping System
• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
3. Powder Based Rabid Prototyping System
• 3D Printing
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

Liquid-based RP systems have the initial form of its material in

liquid state, through a process commonly known as curing, the
liquid is converted into the solid state. all 3D printing
technologies create solid parts from 3D models layer-by-layer
among them is SLA.
SLA stands for stereolithography a 3D Printing process that
uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin into hardened Plastic upside-
down, or inverted , stereolithography is the most common SLA-
system.
Depending on the machine, resin is either poured into a tank by a
user, or dispensed automatically from a cartidge. At the beginning
of the print a build plat from is lowered into the resin, leaving
only a thin layer of liquid in between the plat form and the bottom
of the tank. Galvanometers direct the UV laser though a
transparent window at the bottom of the resin tank, drawing a
cross section of the 3D model and selectively hardening the
material. the print is built consecutive layers, each less than a
hundred microns thick. when a layer is complete, the part is
peeled from the bottom of the tank, letting fresh resin flow
beneath, and the plat form is lowered once again.
originally developed in the 80s, SLA was contined to large
industrial machines until recently. Today, desktop
stereolithography offers afforable high resolution 3D printing that
fits conveniently in workspace. SLA allows for the use of a wide
range of materials with diverse Physical Properties this allows it
to be used in many of specialties.

Figure (1): Process of stereolithography.

http://www.thagiwara.jp/rp-resin/IUPAC/iupac2000.html
Every standard SLA 3D printer is generally composed of
four primary sections:
•A tank filled with the liquid photopolymer: The liquid resin is
usually a clear and liquid plastic.
•A perforated platform immersed in a tank: The platform is
lowered into the tank and can move up and down according to
the printing process.
•A high-powered, ultraviolet laser.
•A computer interface, which manages both the platform and the
laser movements.

Figure (2): component of Stereolithography (SLA).

https://images.app.goo.gl/jhaf2PwKy3Vffkzu5
The main advantages of using SLA are:-
(1) Can be work round the clock operation.
(2) SLA machines have build volumes ranging from small to
large to suit the needs of different users.
(3) Good accuracy.
(4) one of the best surface finishes amongst RP technologies.
(5) Wide range of materials can be used.

The main disadvantages of using SLA are:

(1) Requires support structures. Structures that have overhangs
and undercuts must have supports that are designed and
fabricated together with the main structure.
(2) Requires post-processing. Post-processing includes removal
of supports and other unwanted materials.

Reference:
1. _ http://www.slideshare.net/nurhudahayati/types-of-rapid-
prototyping-additive-process?from_m_app=android
2. https://youtu.be/8a2xNaAkvLo
3. https://m.all3dp.com/2/stereolithography-3d-printing-
simply-explained/
4. http://www.slideshare.net/yuvarajeil/stereolithography-
latest?from_m_app=android
5. https://youtu.be/gkWe28wrsb0