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Benefits of Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) offers ultra-fine layer resolution for intricate features, sharp edges and smooth as-printed surfaces, ideal for cosmetic prototypes and master patterns for urethane casting. It supports transparent, rigid, tough and heat-resistant resins to satisfy form validation and lightweight functional testing. Thin walls, micro-details and delicate structures can be reliably produced. Low layer-line visibility drastically reduces post-processing work. With fast build speeds for small-to-medium parts, SLA accelerates design iteration, allowing engineers to verify product aesthetics and geometry before committing to costly manufacturing tooling.
Stereolithography (SLA) Tolerances
Our dimensional specifications align with standard SLA industry benchmarks for accuracy and repeatability. Typical tolerances are ±0.15% of nominal dimension, with a lower limit of ±0.1mm for smaller features. Minimum wall thickness is around 0.5mm, with fine details down to 0.3mm achievable depending on part geometry and orientation.
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Layer Height Options | 0.025 mm (0.001”), 0.05 mm (0.002”), 0.10 mm (0.004”) |
| XY Linear Tolerance | ±0.05 mm for first 50 mm; ±0.0015 mm per additional mm |
| Z Linear Tolerance | ±0.08 mm for first 50 mm; ±0.002 mm per additional mm |
| Minimum Recommended Wall Thickness | 0.6 mm; 0.4 mm for non-structural thin features |
| Minimum Embossed/Debossed Feature Height | 0.15 mm |
| Suggested Assembly Clearance | 0.10 mm for snap-fit and mating components |
Stereolithography (SLA) Service Capabilites
MXY Machining delivers end-to-end SLA manufacturing, covering CAD design optimization, resin-based laser curing, post-processing, and secondary fabrication. Our SLA process produces smooth, high-detail parts with fine feature resolution and excellent surface finish, ideal for cosmetic prototypes, master patterns, and precision fit-testing.
Material Portfolio
Printing & Production Scale
Secondary Manufacturing
Industry Application Support
Quality Assurance
Lead Time for Stereolithography (SLA) Service
MXY Machining offer flexible lead times tailored to your project schedule and urgency. All timelines start from full confirmation of design specifications, material approval, and order details. Every schedule already includes time for engineering review, precision machining, strict quality inspection, required surface treatments, and secure packaging. We also provide regular progress updates throughout production, and can arrange custom priority schedules for time‑sensitive projects.
Project Type |
Scope & Finishing |
Standard Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Rush Prototype | Single material, basic wash & cure | 24–48 business hours |
| Standard Prototype | General resin, basic sanding | 3–4 business days |
| Low-Volume Production | Clear resin, multi-stage finishing | 4–6 business days |
| Complex Finished Models | Polishing, custom painting & coating | 6–8 business days |
| Precision Regulated Parts | Secondary CNC machining + formal inspection reports | Add 2–3 business days |
Stereolithography (SLA) Materials
We work with a wide range of certified, traceable materials selected to match your performance, regulatory, and application requirements. Our engineers provide DFM guidance to optimize your plastic and metal parts design for manufacturing. Contact us or upload a CAD file for material options, instant quotes, and custom production solutions.
CNC milling services supports a wide range of additional metals, plastics, and composites.
Visit our materials page for a full list.
Stereolithography (SLA) Surface Finishes
As-Printed (Standard)
Passivation process
The raw, unprocessed finish straight from the 3D printer. Characteristic visible horizontal layer lines and stair-stepping texture, with a matte surface in the material’s native color. No post-processing suitable for functional prototypes, fit-and-assembly testing, internal components, and parts where surface appearance is secondary to dimensional accuracy and cost efficiency.
Sanded & Smooth
Passivation process
Post-printing manual sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper (typically 120–600 grit) removes layer lines, stair-stepping, and surface imperfections, producing a smooth, matte, uniform surface. Labor-intensive but flexible ideal for resin prints, FDM parts, and prototypes requiring a smooth base for painting or a refined matte finish without chemical processing.
Vapor Smoothed
Passivation process
Chemical post-processing that exposes ABS, ASA, or compatible 3D printed parts to solvent vapor, melting the surface micro-layer to dissolve and completely eliminate layer lines, producing a smooth, glossy, non-porous finish. Seals surface porosity, improves chemical resistance and mechanical strength the most widely used smoothing finish for functional prototypes and end-use 3D printed parts requiring a production-quality surface.
Primed & Painted
Passivation process
Combined post-processing where 3D printed parts are first sanded and primed, then spray painted in any custom RAL/Pantone color, including metallic, matte, satin, or gloss finishes. The primer fills micro-porosity and layer lines, creating an ideal substrate for uniform paint adhesion resulting in a flawless, production-quality paint finish with no visible print texture. Used for consumer products, automotive prototypes, and showcase models.
Dyed
Passivation process
Post-printing dyeing process for SLS, MJF, or sintered nylon parts where the porous nylon substrate absorbs dye in any custom color (black, blue, red, purple, etc.), producing uniform, colorfast coloring throughout the surface. No painting required the dye penetrates the material for durable, scratch-resistant color. Ideal for functional nylon parts, consumer products, and components requiring custom color with the natural sintered texture.
High-Gloss Polished
Passivation process
Post-printing hand or mechanical polishing with progressively finer abrasive compounds and buffing wheels removes all layer lines and surface imperfections, producing a mirror-like, highly reflective glossy surface. Achieves the highest possible gloss on 3D printed resin, acrylic, or polished plastic parts. Used for optical components, cosmetic prototypes, premium consumer products, and display models requiring a flawless, reflective, production-quality finish.
Metal Electroplated
Passivation process
Post-printing electroplating process that deposits a metallic layer (copper, nickel, chrome, gold, or silver) onto a prepared 3D printed plastic substrate (typically ABS or PC/ABS), producing a smooth, reflective, metallic finish. Transforms lightweight plastic prints into parts with the appearance, weight, and conductivity of metal. Used for decorative figurines, jewelry, automotive emblems, hardware, and functional parts requiring metallic aesthetics or electrical conductivity.
Hydro Dipped / Water Transfer
Passivation process
Post-printing decoration process that transfers printed patterns (carbon fiber, wood grain, camouflage, marble, custom designs) from a water-soluble film onto the entire 3D surface of 3D printed parts, including complex curves and recesses. Produces a seamless, full-coverage decorative pattern with excellent adhesion. Used for automotive interior trim, consumer electronics, sporting goods, and any 3D printed part requiring a premium patterned finish that conforms to complex geometries.
Clear Coated / Resin Coated
Passivation process
Post-printing application of a transparent clear coat or epoxy resin layer over a prepared 3D printed part, producing a high-gloss, smooth, protective finish with depth and shine. The clear coat fills micro-porosity, seals the surface, enhances underlying paint or dye color, and provides a durable, scratch-resistant, UV-stable top layer. Used for consumer products, display models, art pieces, and parts requiring a premium, deep-gloss protective finish.
Custom Textured
Passivation process
Post-printing or print-integrated custom surface texture created by 3D modeling the texture directly into the part (knurling, diamond grip, stipple, geometric patterns) or applying it post-print via etching, texturing, or abrasive blasting. Adds tactile grip, hides surface defects, and provides a premium custom feel. Used for ergonomic grips, handles, consumer product enclosures, tool handles, and any 3D printed part requiring a specific textured surface for ergonomic, anti-slip, or aesthetic purposes.
