PRECISION PROTOTYPING
Functional prototypes with fine tolerance and smooth mating surfaces. SLA resin printing delivers the accuracy and surface quality that product designers and engineers need to validate form, fit, and function — before committing to tooling.
WHEN FDM ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH
When FDM's 0.4mm nozzle and visible layer lines aren't good enough, SLA delivers. Precision functional prototypes with ±0.1mm tolerance, smooth mating surfaces, and features that actually snap together first time. No sanding, no filling, no hoping the parts will fit — just accurate geometry straight off the printer.
Ideal for product designers validating form and fit, engineers testing enclosure designs, and anyone working with parts smaller than a thumbnail. If your prototype needs to demonstrate real functionality — clips that click, threads that engage, surfaces that seal — SLA is the right process.
Our ABS-like and tough resins behave like real engineering plastics — stiff enough for snap-fits, impact-resistant enough for handling, and dimensionally accurate enough for assembly testing. These aren't fragile display models; they're working prototypes built to be tested, iterated, and validated.
PROTOTYPING RESINS
WHAT WE PROTOTYPE
SNAP-FIT ENCLOSURES
Test assembly before tooling — verify clips and catches work correctly with real-world interference fits.
MICRO-PARTS
Features below 1mm that FDM simply cannot resolve. SLA delivers the precision small parts demand.
THREADED INSERTS
Accurate thread profiles, tested M2–M8. Verify thread engagement before committing to tooling.
LIGHT PIPES & OPTICS
Clear resin for light transmission testing. Validate optical paths and illumination designs.
CONNECTOR HOUSINGS
Pin spacing and fit verification. Ensure connectors seat correctly with tight tolerance interfaces.
MATING PART TESTS
Multi-part assemblies with precise interfaces. Test how components fit together before production.
PROTOTYPE PRICING
SLA prototyping is quoted per-part based on volume, resin type, and post-processing requirements. Most prototypes range from £10–£60. Volume discounts are available for iteration runs — because prototyping rarely stops at one version.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How accurate are SLA prototypes?
±0.1mm is typical for our SLA prototypes — significantly better than most FDM printers which typically achieve ±0.3–0.5mm. This level of accuracy means snap-fits, mating surfaces, and threaded features work correctly first time without the iterative rework common with lower-resolution processes.
Can I test snap-fits and assemblies?
Yes. ABS-like resin handles assembly testing well — it has enough stiffness for snap-fit clips and catches, sufficient impact resistance for repeated assembly/disassembly cycles, and the dimensional accuracy needed for interference fits. Many of our customers use SLA prototypes to validate enclosure designs before committing to injection mould tooling.
What's the smallest feature you can print?
Down to 0.1mm features are possible with our SLA printers. For functional geometry that needs to withstand handling and testing, we recommend 0.3mm+ minimum feature size. We'll advise during quoting if any features in your design are at risk of being too fragile.
How do SLA prototypes compare to injection-moulded parts?
Very close in surface finish and dimensional accuracy — SLA parts come off the printer with smooth, near-injection-mould surfaces. Material properties differ slightly: SLA resins are thermoset rather than thermoplastic, so they behave differently under sustained load and UV exposure. For form, fit, and short-term functional testing, SLA prototypes are an excellent stand-in for moulded parts.
Can you print threads directly?
Yes. M3 and larger threads print well and are functional straight off the printer. For M2 and smaller threads, we recommend either tapping the printed hole or using heat-set threaded inserts for better durability and thread quality.
START PROTOTYPING
Upload your STL files or describe your prototyping requirements. We'll recommend the best resin, confirm tolerances, and provide a detailed quote — usually within a few hours.