When surface finish and fine detail matter, SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for presentation-ready prototypes, form models, or parts that need a sleek, professional look.
At Everlab, we regularly use SLA for early-stage designs and high-fidelity models. We don’t do SLA printing in-house, but we work closely with experienced partners to ensure your parts come out looking sharp and accurate.
What is SLA printing?
SLA printing uses a laser to harden liquid resin, layer by layer, inside a tank. It’s known for its:
- Very high resolution
- Smooth surface finish
- Tight tolerances
- Excellent feature sharpness
SLA prints can look almost injection-moulded, especially when post-processed or painted.
When to choose SLA
- You need a clean, visual prototype
- Small details or smooth surfaces are important
- You’re preparing a model for a pitch, test, or render
- You want a realistic-looking product early on
- You’re building a master for vacuum casting
Pros of SLA
- Outstanding detail and finish
- Ideal for small, intricate parts
- Paints and finishes well
- Good dimensional accuracy
- Excellent for aesthetic testing
Things to keep in mind
- SLA prints are less strong than FDM or SLS parts
- Not ideal for functional parts under stress or load
- Some resins can be brittle or UV-sensitive
- Slightly longer lead times than basic 3D printing
We’ll help choose the right resin and guide your part’s geometry to ensure it prints cleanly and looks its best.
Need a smooth, sharp-looking prototype? SLA gets you there — and we’ll help make sure it’s production-worthy.
