SLA Stereolithography: 36 models

SLA, stereolithography, is one of the earliest additive processes to reach industrial use. A UV laser traces the cross-section of the current layer on the surface of a liquid photopolymer resin and cures it; the build platform then drops by one layer thickness and a recoater blade levels the resin. Large systems build top-down in an open vat, while desktop machines such as the Formlabs Form series expose from below through a transparent tank floor (bottom-up). Materials are epoxy and acrylic resins in standard, tough, high-temperature, clear, flexible, ceramic-filled and biocompatible grades, plus castable resins for investment casting. Parts have smooth surfaces and fine detail but require support structures, washing and post-curing, and they age under UV exposure.

From 3D Systems the catalog includes the classic SLA 250, 3500, 5000 and 7000, Viper si2 and Viper Pro, iPro 8000 and 9000 XL, ProX 800 and 950, SLA 750 and 825 Dual, and the ProJet 6000 and 7000 HD; from Formlabs the Form 2, Form 3, 3+, 3B and 3L as well as Form 4 and 4L; and from Stratasys the Neo 450 and Neo 800. Common second-hand are the Form 2 and Form 3, the Viper si2, the iPro 8000 and the ProX 800.

When buying used, check laser hours and laser output. On desktop machines, resin tanks are consumables and the light processing unit deserves attention; on large systems inspect the scanner mirrors, recoater blade, resin vat and level control, and ask about the age and shelf life of the resin left in the vat. Clarify material lock-in through cartridge recognition, software licenses (3D Sprint, PreForm) and whether wash and cure units are part of the deal. Below you will find the technical data of all 36 SLA models in our catalog, together with those currently offered second-hand.