{"id":22518,"date":"2023-12-11T14:21:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T14:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-design-tips\/"},"modified":"2023-12-15T10:12:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T10:12:49","slug":"3d-printing-sla-design-tips","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-design-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Design Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-size-limitations\">Size Limitations<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#wall-thickness\">Wall Thickness<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-overhangs\">Overhangs<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-holes\">Holes<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-assemblies\">Assemblies<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-engravings-embossing\">Engravings &amp; Embossing<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/sla-3d-printing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stereolithography<\/a> is a 3D printing technology that creates parts through a process known as photopolymerisation. In this process, ultraviolet light is focused in a vat of resin. The ultraviolet light beams in the shape of the object to be produced solidifying it layer by layer. After each layer is produced, it is raised out of the vat and the process is repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-size-limitations\"><strong>Size Limitations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The maximum build size offer by Xometry for SLA is 480 x 480 x 560 mm, while the minimum printable feature size is 0.1 mm. Achievable tolerance is \u00b10.2% (min. 0.2 mm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"wall-thickness\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wall Thickness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recommended minimum wall thickness for unsupported walls is 0.6 mm. Walls that are supported on both sides can be designed with a minimum thickness of 0.4 mm as these are less likely to warp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"620\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/wall-thickness-SLA.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18843\" style=\"max-width:266px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/wall-thickness-SLA.webp 620w, https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/wall-thickness-SLA-300x250.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/wall-thickness-SLA.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22518\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/wall-thickness-SLA.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overhangs\"><strong>Overhangs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SLA printing utilizes a lot of support structures. Usually, slicing tools detect necessary positions for support structures in a model and add them. Hence, overhangs are usually no problem. However, if it is necessary to print without support, unsupported overhangs must not be more than 1 mm in length and be at a minimum angle of 19\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-holes\"><strong>Holes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To ensure that holes do not seal off during printing, design them with a minimum diameter of 0.75 mm. For holes longer than 12 mm. The minimum diameter can be slightly increased.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"623\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-hole-size.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18855\" style=\"max-width:306px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-hole-size.webp 623w, https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-hole-size-300x222.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-hole-size.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22518\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-hole-size.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-assemblies\"><strong>Assemblies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SLA can print fully functional assemblies. However, adequate clearances must be designed between mating parts to prevent the assembly from turning into a single solid unit. Minimum clearances of 0.5 mm between moving parts and 0.2 mm for assembly connections are recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"609\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-interlocking.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18868\" style=\"max-width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-interlocking.webp 609w, https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-interlocking-300x219.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-interlocking.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22518\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sla-interlocking.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-engravings-embossing\"><strong>Engravings &amp; Embossing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The precision of SLA makes it suitable for printing embossed and engraved details including texts. Embossed features must be at least 0.3 mm in height and 0.4 mm wide, while engraved features require a minimum depth of 0.4 mm and a width of 0.5mm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/embossing-engraving.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18880\" style=\"max-width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/embossing-engraving.webp 688w, https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/embossing-engraving-300x208.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/embossing-engraving.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22518\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/embossing-engraving.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want to have your designs 3D printed?\u00a0Simply upload them to the <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.uk\/?locale=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Xometry Instant Quoting Engine<\/a>\u2120, and get design-for-manufacturability feedback as well as a quote with price and lead time options in seconds!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":17914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[491,700],"class_list":["post-22518","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing-uk","global-tag-design-uk"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/22518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/articles"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22518"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/22518\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22518"},{"taxonomy":"c-tag-articles","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/c-tag-articles?post=22518"},{"taxonomy":"global-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/global-tag?post=22518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}