SLA (Stereolithography)

SLA, or stereolithography, is another well-known 3D printing process characterized by high precision and detail. In SLA technology, liquid resin is selectively cured by a UV laser or UV light source to create a 3D object layer by layer. Once a layer has cured, the print bed is slightly lowered, and the next layer is built on top.

SLA is known for its ability to produce smooth surfaces and fine details, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision, such as jewelry, dental models, or miniatures. However, SLA materials and printers are often more expensive than FDM, and post-processing requires additional steps, such as removing support structures and curing the printed parts under UV light.