Bicester3D
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GUIDESSLA RESIN PRINTING
TECHNOLOGY

SLA RESIN PRINTING

SLA (stereolithography) uses UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer, producing parts with ultra-fine detail and smooth surface finishes unmatched by filament-based printing.

THE PROCESS

HOW SLA PRINTING WORKS

01
SLICING

Your 3D model is sliced into ultra-thin layers (25-100 microns). Support structures are generated for overhangs.

02
UV EXPOSURE

A UV LCD screen selectively cures each layer of liquid resin in the vat, hardening it into solid plastic.

03
LAYER BUILD-UP

The build plate lifts between each layer. The process repeats, building the part upside-down from the plate.

04
POST-PROCESSING

Parts are washed in isopropyl alcohol to remove uncured resin, then UV-cured in a curing station for full hardness.

CHARACTERISTICS

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

STRENGTHS
• Ultra-fine detail — 25-100 micron layer resolution
• Smooth surface finish with virtually no visible layer lines
• Fully solid prints — excellent dimensional accuracy
• Sharp edges and crisp text reproduction
• Ideal for miniatures, jewellery masters, and dental models
• High stiffness and hardness in standard resins
LIMITATIONS
• Brittle under impact — resin cracks rather than flexes
• Smaller build volume than FDM (218 x 122 x 220mm)
• UV degradation — parts yellow and weaken in direct sunlight
• Requires post-processing (wash + UV cure) for every print
• Higher cost per part than FDM for equivalent volume
• Limited material variety compared to FDM filaments
MATERIALS

RESIN TYPES

STANDARD RESIN

PROPERTIES
High detail, smooth finish, rigid
BEST FOR
Visual prototypes, miniatures, display models
Most affordable resin option. Brittle under stress — not ideal for functional parts that need to flex or absorb impacts.

TOUGH / ABS-LIKE RESIN

PROPERTIES
Improved impact resistance, slight flex
BEST FOR
Functional prototypes, snap-fit assemblies, housings
Better durability than standard resin but still less impact-resistant than FDM materials like PETG or ABS.

FLEXIBLE RESIN

PROPERTIES
Rubber-like flexibility, Shore A 80-90
BEST FOR
Gaskets, seals, ergonomic grips, soft-touch parts
Enables flexible parts not possible with standard resin. Limited elongation compared to TPU on FDM.

HIGH-TEMP RESIN

PROPERTIES
Heat deflection up to 200°C
BEST FOR
Moulds, casting patterns, heat-exposed components
Maintains shape under heat where standard resin would soften. Still brittle at room temperature.
POST-PROCESSING

REQUIRED FINISHING STEPS

WASH
3-10 MINUTES

Parts are cleaned in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove uncured resin from the surface. This is essential — skipping it leaves a tacky, sticky finish.

UV CURE
5-30 MINUTES

Washed parts are placed in a UV curing station to reach full hardness and mechanical properties. Without curing, parts remain soft and weak.

SUPPORT REMOVAL
5-15 MINUTES

Thin support structures are clipped away with flush cutters. Support marks can be sanded smooth for a clean finish.

All SLA prints from Bicester3D include wash and UV cure as standard. Our pricing reflects the additional post-processing time and materials required.
APPLICATIONS

WHEN TO CHOOSE SLA

MINIATURES & FIGURINES

Tabletop gaming miniatures, collectible figurines, and small sculptures where fine detail is critical.

JEWELLERY & MASTERS

Casting masters and patterns for jewellery production. Sharp edges and smooth surfaces reduce finishing work.

DENTAL & MEDICAL MODELS

Dental aligners, surgical guides, and anatomical models requiring precise dimensional accuracy.

VISUAL PROTOTYPES

Product mockups and presentation models where surface finish matters more than mechanical performance.

SMALL ENCLOSURES

Thin-walled housings and enclosures for electronics where precise fit and clean aesthetics are required.

ARTISTIC & DECORATIVE

Detailed ornaments, architectural models, and art pieces that benefit from the smooth, injection-mould-like finish.

GET AN SLA QUOTE

Upload your model and select SLA to get an instant resin printing quote. Includes wash and UV cure as standard.

GET QUOTEFDM VS SLA GUIDE