RAPID PROTOTYPING SOLUTIONS » STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)

Utilizing the latest in both large-format and high-resolution SLA equipment, Forecast3D can generate high- tolerance, three-dimensional models, patterns, or masters for a variety of processes from your CAD file virtually overnight. 

This technology has proved to be the most advantageous tool in the engineering community for the last 10 years. Today, you can create a set of plastic prototype parts in days, and we offer a variety of finishing techniques for different types of needs. Many companies have found that today’s machine and material capabilities allow for short run productions of some components, particularly in the Medical field.

Build Layer Resolution
We operate, maintain, and calibrate our own SLA systems with a team of skilled lab technicians, allowing us to deliver parts accurately and on time.

Standard layer thickness .004"

High-resolution layer thickness .002"

Finishing & Painting
Our staff of experienced model makers carries out all part finishing.  We offer both standard and premium finishes that include a variety of finishes outlined in our finish guide here. Premium finishes include several iterations of priming, sanding and filling until the part is suitable for finish paint. A variety of finish options are available for your SLA patterns:

Level 1 (Strip and ship)
Standard 220 finish
Standard 320 finish
Premium Finish Water clear or color tinting
Premium Finish custom color painting and texturing
Pad printing or dry rub-on applications
Custom Metal Plating

Finish Option Details

The SLA Trade-off: Detail vs. Speed
One of the most important choices in the SLA process involves determining the desired balance between the speed of pattern generation and the level of detail achieved in creating a given part. Inevitably, there is a trade-off: increased speed results in fewer resin layers and a less finely detailed part; increased detail results in a slower build time for a part with more resin layers and thus more detail. Customer preference and the demands of the part in question ultimately determine the model/resin combination to be used for a given SLA build.

Equipment List

• SLA 7000 System (pdf)
• Viper Pro System (pdf)
• (2) SLA 5000 Systems (pdf)
• DS Viper System (pdf)
• DS Procure 750 (pdf)