PolyJet

Prototypes, models showcasing color concepts, and simulated overmold parts can be produced within a matter of days.

PolyJet 3D Printing Service

Stereolithography (SLA) is an advanced 3D printing technique renowned for its ability to create precise and detailed parts suitable for both end-use production and rapid prototyping. With a wide range of over 15 specially formulated SLA materials, Xometry empowers the development of market-ready products.

SLA Materials

SLA Materials Available we do

Material Name	Description	Flexural Strength (MPa/KSI)	Elongation at Break (%)	HDT@0.46 MPa (°C)
Accura 25	White, PP-like	58 MPa/KSI	20%	63 °C
Accura ClearVue	Clear/Translucent, PC-like	67 MPa/KSI	7%	46 °C
Somos WaterShed XC 11122	Clear/Translucent, ABS-like	69 MPa/KSI	15%	50 °C
Somos EvoLVe 128	White, ABS-like	70 MPa/KSI	11%	52 °C
Accura Xtreme Grey	Grey, ABS-like	71 MPa/KSI	22%	62 °C
Somos NeXt	White, PP-like	71 MPa/KSI	10%	57 °C
Somos ProtoGen 18420	White, ABS-like	71 MPa/KSI	16%	47 °C
Somos Taurus	Dark Gray, ABS-like	74 MPa/KSI	24%	62 °C
Accura ABS Black (SL 7820)	Black (painted), ABS-like	78 MPa/KSI	13%	51 °C
Accura Xtreme White 200	White, ABS-like	79 MPa/KSI	20%	47 °C
Somos WaterClear Ultra 10122	Clear/Translucent, PC-like	84 MPa/KSI	7%	47 °C
Accura 60	Clear/Translucent, PC-like	101 MPa/KSI	13%	55 °C
Somos ProtoTherm 12120*	Translucent Red, PC-like	109 MPa/KSI	4%	126 °C
Somos PerFORM*	White, Ceramic-filled	146 MPa/KSI	1%	268 °C
Accura Bluestone*	Blue, Ceramic-filled	154 MPa/KSI	2%	284 °C

*Requires post-thermal curing to achieve HDT.

SLA Standard Tolerances

Description	Standard Resolution	High Resolution
Build envelope	29” x 25” x 21”	10” x 10” x 10”
Layer height	0.004″	0.002″
Tolerance, XY Plane	+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.	+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
Tolerance, Z Plane	+/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.	+/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
Minimum linear feature size	Under 0.030” are at risk and under 0.020” will not build.	Under 0.020” are at risk and under 0.010” will not build.
Minimum radial feature size	0.035″	0.030″

The information provided in the table outlines the standard tolerances for industrial-grade stereolithography (SLA) services. Variations in tolerances and flatness may occur due to factors such as stresses during the build, support strategy, and geometry considerations. Enhanced tolerances can potentially be achieved through a manual quote review following the successful completion of a prototype build, subject to approval on a case-by-case basis. These general tolerances are applicable prior to any secondary finishing or post-processing, unless stated otherwise. For further details on tolerances specific to each process, please refer to Xometry’s Manufacturing Standards.

SLA Applications

Models Depicting Concepts

Product developers can easily produce physical prototypes of their designs using plastic 3D printing, thanks to its speed and versatility in the iterative process.

Rapid Prototyping

Plastic 3D printing enables the production of functional plastic prototypes, including moving parts and all-in-one assemblies.

Digital Production Directly

Plastic 3D Printing is perfect for creating numerous customized or individual parts due to its exceptional precision and reliability.

SLA Finishes

Flat (Regular)

The supported surfaces will be lightly sanded using either 220 or 320 grit sandpaper, and then media blasted to create a uniform matte finish.

Organic

The surfaces that are supported will undergo a light sanding process using either 220 or 320 grit sandpaper to enhance the quality of the surface. Scratches from sanding will be apparent on the supported surfaces.

The media plummeted

The parts undergo abrasive media tumbling after the standard finish, resulting in minimized grow lines and potentially softened sharp edges. This process leaves the parts with a smooth eggshell finish.

Strips

Supported areas may exhibit tiny grid-like dots or surface imperfections due to the removal of support structures.

Rapidly Transparent

Accura ClearVue is exclusively compatible. Only surfaces that have been sanded are supported. The layering will remain visible on the parts. To enhance the inherent clarity, a high gloss clear coat is applied.

Customized

MXY offers a variety of supplementary SLA finishing choices, such as sanding, polishing, painting, post thermal processing, and plating, in order to cater to your specific requirements.

Why choose mXY

Endless choices

Select from a wide range of options for your order, including various materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications.

User-friendly

Have your parts conveniently delivered to your doorstep, eliminating the need for sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.

Verified Network

Our certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D. Only the best shops that meet our standards become Suppliers.

The Mechanism of Stereolithography

Stereolithography, also known as SLA, is an additive manufacturing process that uses UV light to solidify liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. The resin is selectively cured to match the CAD design, and support structures are removed after printing. Xometry’s SLA printing service provides high-resolution printing for parts with fine details and surface finishes, making it a versatile option for custom parts in prototype and production settings.

Applications of SLA

SLA technology provides a diverse selection of materials and fast production times for complex net-shapes, making it an essential tool for a wide range of manufacturing sectors. It is predominantly used in the automotive industry to create intricate parts with various surface finishes. These parts can be embossed or engraved, with options for matte, natural, and other finishes depending on manufacturing requirements. While stereolithography has excelled in rapid prototyping and design support for automotive applications, it is now gaining traction in various mechanical modeling sectors on a larger scale.

FAQ’s

PolyJet technology is recognized for its exceptional precision and ability to produce intricate details. With the capability to achieve layer thicknesses as small as 16 microns, it is ideal for creating highly detailed models with smooth finishes, perfect for applications that demand complex features.

PolyJet technology is truly remarkable as it enables the 3D printing of multiple materials in a single part. This means that you can create objects with different textures, colors, and mechanical properties all in one go. It’s incredibly versatile, especially for prototypes and complex models that require different material characteristics.

The way PolyJet printers work is by spraying photopolymer materials from cartridges onto a platform and quickly solidifying them using UV light. These printers can connect to different cartridges, which means you can simultaneously deposit a gel-like support and multiple materials. This allows for the creation of intricate and detailed parts.

PolyJet 3D printing has the capability to utilize a range of materials, such as:

Photopolymers (resins) that mimic plastics.
Rigid Opaque materials (offered in different colors).
Transparent materials for producing clear or tinted objects.
Flexible materials, which can imitate rubber with different levels of flexibility.
Biocompatible materials appropriate for medical purposes.
High Temperature materials for sophisticated functional testing.
Simulated Polypropylene materials for prototyping designs commonly made from polypropylene.

These materials can be combined in a single print to achieve a variety of properties.

The duration of a PolyJet printing process depends on various factors. These factors include the size and complexity of the object, the number of materials used, and the desired resolution. Smaller and less complex objects can be printed in just a few hours, while larger or more intricate designs may require several hours or even a full day. PolyJet is considered a fast high-resolution 3D printing technology due to its ability to deposit multiple materials simultaneously and create detailed features rapidly.

PolyJet printing is usually pricier than FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography). The increased cost of PolyJet is due to its advanced technology, which enables printing with multiple materials and colors in one object. Additionally, PolyJet can achieve highly intricate details and smooth surface finishes. On the other hand, FDM and SLA printers typically have lower upfront expenses and utilize more affordable materials. However, they may not offer the same level of precision or material flexibility as PolyJet printing.

Metal 3D printing is relatively expensive compared to other forms of manufacturing, primarily due to the cost of metal powders and the sophisticated technology involved.