SLA (stereolithography apparatus), one of the most widespread 3D printing or 3D molding techniques, is an additive manufacturing process that can print parts with small features, tight dimensional tolerance requirements, and a smooth print surface. The material for SLA-printed parts is called photopolymer resin. There are many categories. This article discusses the 10 most common types of SLA materials.
1. Somos PerFORM
Somos PerFORM is produced on a standard 355nm SLA machine for high strength, high hardness, and high-temperature resistant composite SLA printed parts.
Typical applications: abrasives, electrical enclosures, automotive housings
Main properties: strong, tough, high-temperature resistant, with good surface gloss
Color: white
Tensile strength: 68-80MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 17J/m
Elongation strain at break: 1.1-1.2%
Dielectric strength: 25-26KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 82-119℃@1.8MPa
2. Somos NeXt
Somos NeXt is a durable SLA resin, produced by DSM in the Netherlands. Based on Somos DMX technology, Somos NeXt is a new generation material, more suitable for producing hard, complicated SLA printed parts with improved moisture resistance and better thermal properties.
Typical applications: impellers, connectors, electronic covers, instrument panel components
Key properties: high strength and durability, high precision and dimensional stability, good detail
Color: white
Tensile strength: 33MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 47-52J/m
Elongation at break: 8-10%
Dielectric strength: 16KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 55.0-57.0℃@0.45MPa
3. WaterShed XC 11122
WaterShed XC 11122 is a low-viscosity liquid photopolymer resin. The parts via the SLA printing service are almost colorless, similar to the transparent plastics for mass production. Because it is durable enough to withstand intense wind tunnel testing, it is ideal for the automotive and aerospace industries.
Typical applications: lenses, engineering parts, durable concept models, wind tunnel testing
Key properties: clear, with high clarity
Color: transparent
Tensile strength: 50MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 21-32J/m
Elongation at break: 11-20%
Dielectric strength: 15-16KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 45.9-54.5℃@0.45MPa
4. WaterClear Ultra 10122
WaterClear Ultra 10122 is a fast, low-viscosity general-use resin with ABS-like properties and good temperature resistance as a new generation of optically clear resins. It is ideally suited for applications requiring optical clarity, such as packaging prototypes, light pipes, etc.
Typical applications: computer housings, bottles, piping systems
Key properties: high-temperature resistance, good light transmission, high purity, low viscosity
Colors: clear, transparent
Tensile strength: 55-56MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 23-26J/m
Elongation at break: 6-9%
Dielectric strength: 15-16KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 46-47℃@0.45MPa
5. ProtoTherm 12120
ProtoTherm 12120 is a liquid photopolymer that can produce strong, high-temperature resistant and waterproof SLA printed parts with higher tensile strength than general high-temperature resistant SLA materials. In addition, the material can maintain proper elongation at break after heat treatment. Therefore it is well suited for use in the aerospace field.
Typical applications: robust parts resistant to high temperatures
Main properties: high mechanical strength, good tensile properties, moisture resistance, high-temperature resistance
Color: red
Tensile strength: 71.2MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 12J/m
Elongation at break: 4%
Dielectric strength: 16KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 56.5℃@0.45MPa
6. Somos GP Plus 14122
Somos GP Plus 14122 is a liquid photosensitive resin similar to ABS. It is practical for the automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods industries because of its low viscosity properties and its ability to produce waterproof, durable, and accurate three-dimensional SLA printed parts.
Typical applications: functional prototypes, concept models, and low-volume production parts
Key properties: water resistance, moisture resistance, durability, precision, and moisture resistance
Colors: white, opaque
Tensile strength: 33-40 MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 23-29 J/m
Tensile strain at break: 6-9%
Dielectric strength: 18KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 46℃@0.45MPa
7. IROCOAT CA-128
IROCOAT CA-128 is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material, which belongs to the elastic resin and can be processed through layers by SLA printing service. Its main application is in fields with strict elasticity requirements.
Typical applications: glue, tapes
Main properties: low-temperature flexibility, chemical resistance, hydrolysis resistance, good adhesion
Tensile strength at break: 2.62MPa
Tensile strain at break: 440%
8. Somos Imagine 8000
Somos Imagine 8000 is a low-viscosity industrial photosensitive resin developed by DSM in the Netherlands. It can produce firm, hard, and waterproof functional SLA printed parts. It is majorly applied to the prototyping of automotive, medical device, and electronics industries.
Typical applications: RTV prototypes, durable concept prototypes
Main properties: high strength and durability, high precision and good dimensional stability, high level of details
Color: opaque white
Tensile strength: 37MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 26J/m
Elongation at break: 7.5%
Dielectric strength: 17.9KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 46℃@0.45MPa
9. MadeSolid PET+
MadeSolid PET+ is a versatile resin suitable for most FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) printers. Its mechanical properties and ease of use allow it to have a higher elastic strength than ABS or PLA.
Typical applications: wearable devices in 1.75mm or 3mm size
Key properties: recyclable, robust and flexible, 100% easy-to-adhere hydrophobic
Colors: black, green, white, red
Flexural modulus: 1840 MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 37 J/m
Elongation at break: 18%
Dielectric strength: 14-18KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 71.8℃@0.45MPa
10. Somos ProtoGen 18920
Somos ProtoGen 18920 is a liquid photopolymer capable of producing precise, ABS-like parts. The material has excellent chemical resistance, a wide processing dimension, and a large temperature and humidity resistance range. It is widely applied in the electronics, aerospace, and automotive fields.
Typical applications: electrical/electronic applications
Key properties: moisture resistance, chemical resistance
Color: Gray
Tensile strength: 46.6-47.8 MPa
Cantilever impact strength: 14-26 J/m
Elongation strain at break: 5-9%
Dielectric strength: 14-16KV/mm
Heat deflection temperature: 58.7℃@0.45MPa
There are many types of SLA rapid prototyping resins available in the market for 3D printing. It is best to choose the specific materials that will meet your needs when it comes to SLA printing services.
With over 10 years of experience in offering SLA printing services, X Rapid Technologies is sure to be able to provide you with the best SLA solutions.
