3D Systems SLA 250 — Technical data

The SLA 250 belongs to the early generation of 3D Systems stereolithography machines. A helium-cadmium laser at 325 nm cures resin in an exchangeable 32-litre vat; the build envelope is 250 × 250 × 250 mm and parts may weigh up to 9.1 kg. There were two versions: the SLA 250/50 with 24 mW and a wider beam for general prototypes, and the SLA 250/50HR with 6 mW and a beam of around 0.07 mm for fine detail from 0.0625 mm layers. Control runs under MS-DOS, with Lightyear preparing the data. The line has been discontinued for many years; the Viper si2 later covered the same build size with a solid-state laser.

HeCd lasers age with operating hours – the original warranty covered 2,000 hours – and replacement tubes and service engineers are hard to find. Check the laser power at the vat, the condition of the Zephyr recoater and elevator, and the age of the resin in the vat. The control PC and the Lightyear licence must be included and working. Today the machine is mainly of interest for teaching, display or as a parts donor.