ISO 9001 & AS9100 Certified Additive Manufacturing Facility
SLA 3D Printing Service
When your prototype or end-use part demands the finest detail and smoothest surface finish available in additive manufacturing, an SLA 3D printing service is the right choice. A professional SLA printing service uses stereolithography to produce layer lines so fine they are virtually invisible. The result is optical clarity, sharp edges, and dimensional accuracy that other 3D printing processes cannot match.
At Baetro, we combine industrial SLA capabilities with instant online quoting, free engineering feedback, and no minimum order quantity. Parts ship in 3–7 days from our ISO-certified facility, with full inspection reports and real-time order tracking.
±0.05 mm
Printing tolerance
3–7 days
Standard lead time
Free DFM
On every quote
MOQ 1
Prototype to production
Stereolithography Fundamentals
What Is SLA 3D Printing?
SLA stands for stereolithography, the original resin-based 3D printing technology invented in the 1980s. In a professional stereolithography service, a computer-controlled UV laser traces each cross-section of your part across a vat of liquid photopolymer resin. Where the laser contacts the resin, it solidifies instantly. The build platform lowers by one layer thickness — typically 25 to 100 microns — and the process repeats until the part is complete.
After printing, every SLA part undergoes mandatory post-processing. Uncured resin is washed away in isopropyl alcohol, support structures are removed, and the part receives a final UV cure to reach full mechanical strength and dimensional stability. This workflow is what gives SLA its signature advantage: a surface finish so smooth it rivals injection-molded plastics, with none of the visible layer lines common in FDM printing.
CAD-Driven Accuracy
Repeatable printing from digital designs with laser precision
Smooth Surface Finish
Ra 0.2–1.6 μm as-printed, comparable to molded plastics
Fine Feature Resolution
Layer thickness down to 25 microns for micro-scale detail
Production Flexibility
Suitable for prototypes through short-run production
Highest Resolution in 3D Printing
Layer thickness down to 25 microns — one-third the thickness of a sheet of paper — enabling fine threads, living hinges, and microfluidic channels.
Printing Capabilities
Our SLA 3D Printing Capabilities
From high-resolution visual prototypes to functional resin parts, Baetro provides industrial SLA 3D printing services with documented process controls and full inspection protocols.
Resolution & accuracy
Precision Laser Curing
SLA is widely regarded as the most accurate plastic 3D printing technology. Our standard process achieves layer thickness of 25–100 microns, XY resolution of 50–140 microns, and dimensional tolerance of ±0.05 mm to ±0.1 mm.
- Best for: fine threads, living hinges, microfluidic channels.
- Minimum feature size: 0.2 mm for walls, posts, and embossed text.
- Inspection: CMM final inspection on critical dimensions.
Surface quality
Superior Surface Finish
SLA produces the smoothest surface finish of any 3D printing technology. Raw parts exit the machine with a surface roughness (Ra) between 0.2 and 1.6 microns — comparable to machined or molded surfaces.
- Best for: visual prototypes, optical parts, master patterns.
- Surface roughness: Ra 0.2–1.6 μm as-printed.
- Advantage: no visible stair-stepping like FDM.
Material range
10+ Engineering Resins
We offer 10+ photopolymer resins including standard, clear, tough, flexible, high-temperature, castable, and biocompatible grades. Our engineers help you choose the optimal resin for your application.
- Best for: prototypes, casting patterns, medical devices.
- Certifications: USP Class VI, ISO 10993 biocompatible options.
- Specialty: clear resin with optical transparency.
Procurement confidence
Why Choose Baetro for SLA 3D Printing?
Engineers and procurement managers choose Baetro for reliable SLA 3D printing services with fast quoting, fine detail capability, transparent documentation, and responsive project support.
Free DFM Feedback
Our engineers review your CAD file and suggest design optimizations that improve printability, reduce material usage, and lower cost before production begins.
Instant Online Quotes
Upload your STL or STEP file, select resin and finish, then receive pricing and lead time in under 60 seconds without waiting for manual sales follow-up.
±0.05 mm Tolerance Capability
Precision laser stereolithography systems support tight tolerances on fine geometries, with CMM inspection and dimensional documentation when required.
10+ Resin Materials
Our material library covers standard, clear, tough, flexible, high-temperature, castable, and biocompatible resins with full batch traceability.
No Minimum Order Quantity
Order one prototype or scale to short-run production with the same SLA process, quality controls, and material traceability across every order size.
Fast Lead Times & Documentation
Standard orders ship in 3–7 days, with inspection reports, material certifications, surface finish verification, and dedicated project manager support included.
Material library
SLA Resin Materials We Print
We offer 10+ photopolymer resins across standard, engineering, and specialty grades, with full material certifications and traceability available for every project.
Standard & Engineering Resins
Standard (White, Grey, Black): General purpose, lowest cost, smooth finish. Best for visual prototypes, concept models, fit checks.
Clear: Optical clarity, polishable to transparent. Best for lenses, light guides, fluidic devices, display housings.
Tough / Durable: Impact-resistant, ABS-like strength. Best for functional prototypes, snap-fits, jigs, fixtures.
Flexible: Shore 60A–85A, rubber-like behavior. Best for gaskets, seals, soft-touch overlays, wear pads.
Specialty Resins
High-Temperature: HDT up to 280°C, rigid. Best for thermal testing, under-hood prototypes, lighting housings.
Castable: Clean burnout, zero ash residue. Best for jewelry patterns, dental copings, investment casting masters.
Biocompatible: USP Class VI, ISO 10993 compliant. Best for surgical guides, dental aligners, medical device prototypes.
Browse our full materials library
Material
Standard Resin
White, Grey, and Black for general prototyping, visual models, and fit checks.
Material
Clear Resin
Optical clarity for lenses, light guides, fluidic devices, and display housings.
Material
Tough Resin
ABS-like impact resistance for functional prototypes, snap-fits, and jigs.
Material
Biocompatible Resin
USP Class VI certified for surgical guides, dental aligners, and medical devices.
Post-processing
Surface Finishes for SLA Printed Parts
Every part receives standard post-processing, but we offer finishing options that prepare parts for presentation, assembly, or end-use.
| Finish | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard finish | IPA wash, UV post-cure, support nub sanding | Functional prototypes, fit checks, design validation |
| Premium finish | Sanding to 800–1200 grit, prime, paint in specified color | Visual models, trade show demos, photography prototypes |
| Custom finish | Metal plating, clear coating, soft-touch flocking | EMI shields, optical parts, decorative hardware |
The right finish depends on function, environment, and appearance requirements. During DFM review, our engineers recommend finishes based on your application so you avoid unnecessary treatments and late-stage quality issues.
Engineering data
SLA 3D Printing Design Guidelines
A well-designed SLA part prints accurately, requires minimal support cleanup, and achieves the surface quality you expect. Our engineers review every CAD file for manufacturability.
Design Rules
| Feature | Minimum / Standard | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | 0.3 mm | 0.5 mm (1.0 mm load-bearing) |
| Overhang angle | 30° from horizontal | < 30° to reduce supports |
| Bridge length | 1.0 mm unsupported | < 1.0 mm with supports |
| Hole tolerance | Design 0.1–0.2 mm oversize | Account for post-cure shrinkage |
| Layer height | 25 μm (finest detail) | 100 μm (fastest print) |
| Feature size | 0.2 mm walls, posts | 0.3 mm for reliable curing |
Precision tolerances are inspected on CMM equipment, with dimensional inspection reports available for shipment and quality review.
DFM Engineering Support
- Wall thickness: walls thinner than 0.5 mm are prone to warping, cracking, or incomplete curing during post-processing.
- Supports: we optimize orientation to place support marks on non-cosmetic hidden surfaces and minimize material waste.
- Holes: SLA holes shrink slightly during curing; we recommend designing 0.1–0.2 mm oversize for press-fit features.
- Orientation: cosmetic faces are oriented upward, away from the build platform, to eliminate support scarring on visible surfaces.
- Cost impact: proper design and hollowing recommendations reduce material usage by 60% or more.
- Engineering support: upload your CAD file for specific design recommendations based on resin type and geometry.
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance & Inspection
Quality is not a final check. It is built into every stage of our SLA 3D printing process, from material verification to final dimensional inspection.
Our Quality Systems
- ISO 9001 certified quality management system
- AS9100 certified for aerospace quality standards
- Full material traceability from resin batch to finished part
- In-process inspection at wash, cure, and finishing stages
- CMM final inspection on coordinate measuring equipment
- Surface roughness testing for finish validation
- First article inspection reports for production approval
- 100% inspection or AQL sampling per customer requirements
What You Receive with Every Shipment
Every order includes a comprehensive inspection report documenting key quality data for your SLA printed parts.
- Dimensional measurements against your drawing
- Material certification and batch traceability
- Surface finish verification when specified
- Pass/fail status for all critical dimensions
- Inspector signature and inspection date
Applications
Industries We Serve with SLA 3D Printing
SLA 3D printing is one of the most versatile additive manufacturing processes, supporting industries with different requirements for resolution, material selection, surface finish, and inspection documentation.
Industry
Prototyping & Design Validation
Visual prototypes, fit checks, and stakeholder review models with premium surface finishes that capture textures, labels, and cosmetic lines invisible on FDM prints.
Industry
Jewelry & Dental
Castable resin patterns with filigree and pavé settings, dental copings, bridge frameworks, and aligner models with anatomical accuracy and clean burnout.
Industry
Medical Devices
Surgical guides, diagnostic device housings, implant prototypes, and custom fluidic devices with USP Class VI resin, material traceability, and full inspection reporting.
Industry
Electronics & Consumer Products
Clear and colored enclosures, light guides, connector housings, and premium cosmetic prototypes for investor presentations and trade show demonstrations.
Industry
Automotive
Wind tunnel models, ducting prototypes, interior trim samples, and under-hood components in high-temperature resin for thermal and aerodynamic testing.
Industry
Aerospace
Structural test components, aerodynamic models, and lightweight housing prototypes requiring AS9100 processes, full traceability, and tight inspection control.
Technology comparison
SLA vs. Other 3D Printing Technologies
Choosing the right additive manufacturing process requires understanding the trade-offs. Here is how stereolithography compares to the alternatives Baetro offers.
SLA 3D Printing
Best for detail, optics, and premium aesthetics. The benchmark for surface finish and fine feature resolution.
- Very smooth, glass-like surface finish
- Highest detail resolution (25–100 μm layers)
- ±0.05–0.1 mm dimensional tolerance
- Moderate strength; tough resins available
- Requires support structures
FDM 3D Printing
Best for fast, low-cost functional prototypes and large parts where layer lines are acceptable.
- Visible layer lines on all surfaces
- Moderate detail resolution
- ±0.2–0.3 mm dimensional tolerance
- Good strength, but anisotropic behavior
- Requires support structures
SLS 3D Printing
Best for durable end-use parts with complex geometries and no support requirements.
- Slightly grainy, matte surface finish
- High detail resolution
- ±0.15–0.2 mm dimensional tolerance
- Excellent isotropic strength
- No support structures required
How it works
Our SLA 3D Printing Process
Working with Baetro is straightforward. Here is the controlled process from CAD file upload to finished resin parts.
Upload Your CAD File
Send your design in STL, OBJ, STEP, or IGES format. STEP files are preferred when dimensional accuracy is critical because they contain exact geometric data.
Receive Quote + DFM Feedback
In under 60 seconds, review pricing, lead time, and manufacturability notes for wall thickness, support placement, and resin selection.
Select Material & Approve
Choose resin type, layer height, finish, and quantity. Your dedicated project manager confirms the order and production schedule.
Print & Post-Process
Parts are laser-cured layer by layer, then washed in isopropyl alcohol, supports are removed, and components receive final UV post-curing.
Final Inspection
Every part receives dimensional checks on CMM equipment and surface finish verification against your specification.
Ship with Documentation
Parts are packaged with inspection reports, material certifications, and required documents, then shipped worldwide by express carrier.
Cost considerations
SLA 3D Printing Cost Factors
Understanding cost drivers helps you design for economy without sacrificing function. In an SLA 3D printing service, pricing is determined primarily by part volume, resin type, layer height, and finishing requirements.
- Part Volume: Hollow parts with drainage holes cost significantly less than solid blocks. Our DFM feedback often includes hollowing recommendations.
- Resin Type: Standard resins are most economical; biocompatible and castable resins are premium due to certification and material costs.
- Layer Height: 100-micron layers print four times faster than 25 microns and use less machine time, reducing cost.
- Surface Finish: Premium painting and custom plating increase cost; standard finish is the most economical.
- Order Quantity: Low volumes have higher per-part cost due to setup; high volumes reduce per-part cost.
- Lead Time: Standard 3–7 day lead times included; expedited and rush processing increases cost.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about SLA 3D printing accuracy, materials, lead times, file formats, and applications.
What file formats do you accept for SLA 3D printing?
We accept STL, OBJ, STEP (STP), and IGES files. STL is the standard format for 3D printing and works well for most projects. STEP files are preferred when dimensional accuracy is critical because they contain exact geometric data rather than triangulated approximations. If you upload a STEP file, our system converts it to STL for printing while preserving tolerances.
How accurate is SLA 3D printing?
SLA is the most accurate plastic 3D printing technology. Typical tolerances are ±0.05 mm to ±0.1 mm, depending on part size, geometry, and resin selection. Small features such as holes and posts may deviate slightly more due to shrinkage during post-cure. We account for this in our DFM feedback and recommend design adjustments when tight fits are required.
Can SLA parts be used for functional testing?
Yes, with the right resin. Tough and engineering-grade resins produce parts that can withstand moderate mechanical loads, snap-fit cycles, and environmental testing. However, SLA parts are generally not suitable for high-impact or heavy load-bearing applications. For those scenarios, we recommend SLS 3D printing or CNC machining in engineering plastics.
What is the difference between SLA and DLP?
Both SLA and DLP are vat polymerization technologies that cure liquid resin with light. The difference is in the light source. SLA uses a laser that traces each layer point by point. DLP uses a digital projector that flashes an entire layer at once. SLA generally offers higher resolution and finer detail, while DLP can be faster for certain geometries. At Baetro, we use laser-based SLA for its superior accuracy and surface finish.
Do you offer clear or transparent SLA parts?
Yes. Our clear resin produces parts with high optical clarity. For the best transparency, we recommend designing parts with uniform wall thickness, avoiding sharp internal corners, and selecting our premium polishing finish. Clear SLA is commonly used for lenses, light pipes, fluidic channels, and product housings where internal components must be visible.
Can you sign an NDA for confidential designs?
Absolutely. We routinely handle proprietary designs and intellectual property for customers in medical, defense, and consumer electronics industries. We provide non-disclosure agreements upon request, and all file uploads are transmitted over encrypted connections. Your design data is accessible only to the engineers and operators assigned to your project.
Quote-ready manufacturing
Get Started with SLA 3D Printing Services
Whether you need a single visual prototype for design validation or a batch of master patterns for investment casting, Baetro delivers SLA 3D printing services that combine precision, speed, and engineering expertise.
Upload your CAD file for an instant quote with live pricing, lead times, and free DFM feedback. Our engineers review every design to help you achieve the best surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
Parts ship in 3–7 days. No minimum order quantity. ISO 9001 & AS9100 certified.
Not ready to upload a file? Contact our engineers to discuss your project, review resin options, or get guidance on design optimization.