Resin Printing (SLA)
Maximum precision and smooth surfaces for your most complex geometries. We realize high-resolution components using Stereolithography (SLA) for the highest demands on detail and fit.
Stereolithography (SLA) is the method of choice when microscopic details and a nearly perfect surface finish are paramount. Unlike the traditional layer-by-layer deposition of FDM printing, SLA utilizes a liquid photopolymer resin that is cured with extreme precision by a UV laser. The result is components where layer lines are barely perceptible to the naked eye and which exhibit high isotropy, meaning the mechanical properties are nearly identical in all spatial directions.
In our Vienna workshop, we employ state-of-the-art SLA technology to produce both functional prototypes and aesthetic models. Whether it is delicate jewelry designs, precise medical models (excluding implant functions), or highly complex housings for the electronics industry, the SLA technique enables a level of detail that is unattainable with other additive manufacturing processes. We support you in bringing your visions into a physical form that meets the highest quality standards.
The Path to Your Precision Model
File Check & Optimization
We inspect your STL or STEP model for "watertightness" and wall thickness. If necessary, we optimize the arrangement of support structures to prevent warping and maximize surface quality.
Selective Material Printing
Depending on your requirements, we select the appropriate resin—from high-transparency resins to standardized models or high-precision variants. Printing is carried out in a controlled environment in our workshop.
Washing & UV Curing
After printing, parts are cleaned in an isopropanol bath to remove uncured resin residues. Subsequently, final curing takes place in a specialized UV chamber to ensure maximum stability.
Finish & Quality Control
Support structures are manually and precisely removed. We perform a final dimensional check and securely pack your model for shipping or pickup in Vienna.
Who is SLA Printing the Right Choice For?
This process is aimed at clients for whom aesthetics and dimensional accuracy are the priority. Engineers use our SLA prints for fit-tests of miniature parts where a tolerance of 0.2 mm is critical. Designers and architects value the ability to represent extremely fine structures and sharp edges that would appear "blurred" in other processes. Similarly, SLA is ideal for creating casting models (master models) that serve as the basis for series production in silicone or metal.
How Collaboration at Choanaevo Works
The process begins with the submission of your digital data via our contact form. We analyze the geometry and create a binding offer based on the volume of resin consumed. Following your confirmation and a deposit of 30%, we start production. We keep you updated on the progress and, for complex projects, send you photos of the parts before final shipment. This ensures that the result exactly matches your expectations.
What You Should Prepare for a Smooth Process
To guarantee our average prototype lead time of 3 days, we require a clean file in STL, OBJ, or STEP format. Ensure that all wall thicknesses are at least 0.5 mm to maintain the structural integrity of the resin part. If you are unsure which material is best suited for your application, we recommend reading our guide: Choosing the Right Material. A precise description of the desired surface finish also helps us optimize the process.
The Result: What You Receive From Us
You receive a physical component characterized by a smooth, homogeneous surface. Parts are delivered carefully cleaned and freed from all support structures. For models that we have modeled as part of a combined service, we provide the final file in STL or STEP format after full payment. All parts are delivered in protective packaging to prevent damage to fine structures during transport.
Delivery Times and Scheduling
The standard production time for SLA prototypes is generally 5 business days, although the actual printing time is often significantly shorter. The time is primarily consumed by the necessary post-processing steps (washing, curing, support removal). For projects with high urgency, we offer an express option with a 50% surcharge to allow prioritization in our production queue.
Scope of Service: What is NOT Included
Please note that standard SLA printing includes the removal of support structures and basic curing. Further surface refinement, such as professional sanding, priming, or painting, is not included in the standard price and is offered as a separate service under Post-Processing. Furthermore, we assume no liability for the structural load capacity of parts designed with walls thinner than our recommendations.
Pricing and Value Added Tax
Cost calculation is transparent and based on the consumption of material in milliliters (ml). The price consists of the material quantity, machine time, and manual post-processing. All prices listed on our website include the statutory VAT of 20%. For our B2B customers, we issue invoices net; payment is due within 14 days of invoicing. A minimum order value of 25 € applies to all orders.
Detailed Scope of Work:
- File verification for printability and orientation optimization.
- Creation of necessary support structures for overhangs.
- High-resolution printing with Standard or High-Precision resin.
- Chemical cleaning in isopropanol baths to remove residual resin.
- Final UV post-curing to achieve full material strength.
- Manual removal of support structures and light smoothing of attachment points.
- Secure packaging for transport within Vienna or Austria.
Price List for SLA Printing
| Material Type | Price incl. 20% VAT | Price excl. VAT | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Resin | 2.50 € | 2.08 € | per Milliliter |
| High Precision Resin | 4.80 € | 4.00 € | per Milliliter |
Frequently Asked Questions about SLA Printing
SLA parts are isotropic, meaning they are similarly stable in all directions. However, they are generally more brittle than FDM materials like PETG or ABS. For purely functional, high-load parts, we often recommend our FDM 3D Printing.
Yes, we can use transparent resins. Please note, however, that parts are milky-transparent directly from the printer. A crystal-clear appearance requires additional post-processing (sanding and painting), which is billed separately.
Our SLA systems operate with very high resolution. We guarantee a dimensional tolerance of approximately 0.2 mm, provided the geometry of the model allows it and no extreme overhangs lead to warping.
We treat your designs confidentially. Your models are stored in our system for a period of 6 months to enable quick re-ordering, and are deleted thereafter unless another agreement has been made.
For further details regarding our business terms and the legal framework of our production, please visit our Terms and Conditions. If you would like to start a project or require individual consultation, reach us via our Contact Page or find an overview of all our services under Services.