Standard (category)
Multipurpose resin for models, presentations and visual prototypes. Equivalent formulation depending on availability.
- Aesthetic models
- Assembly models
- Smooth finish
- - More brittle than FDM
SLA 3D Printing - Resin
SLA technology delivers highly precise parts with smooth surfaces and fine details. We offer a range of technical resins (standard, tough, transparent, high temperature, etc.) depending on availability—without being tied to a specific printer brand.
Summary
We recommend resin (equivalent category) and post-treatment according to your constraints: aesthetics, rigidity, impact, transparency, heat.
How does SLA printing work?
A UV beam solidifies, layer by layer, a photosensitive liquid resin to form a part.
Benefits
Smooth surface, fine details, high precision, possible transparencies
Limitations
Resins sometimes more brittle, UV sensitive, smaller print volumes, post-processing required
When to choose SLA?
- High-end aesthetic and design models
- Micro-details, engravings, lettering
- Transparent parts (optical, fluidic, lighting)
- High-finish applications
- Specific templates depending on the resin
Resins available
Choose the resin category according to your needs: rigidity, impact resistance, transparency, flexibility, temperature resistance or specific requirements of your sector.
Tough (category)
For functional prototypes, jigs and assemblies requiring greater resistance to shocks and stresses. Equivalent depending on availability.
- Functional prototypes
- Templates and fixings
- + Improved impact resistance
- More “plastic” than a standard
Clear (transparent)
For aesthetic and optical parts. High transparency after polishing according to geometry and post-treatment.
- Optical windows and fluidic circuits
- High-end aesthetic models
- Transparency
- Recommended polishing
Heat Resistant (high temperature)
Temperature-resistant category for jigs, functional tests and warmer environments. Equivalent depending on availability.
- Templates / assemblies close to heat
- Parts exposed to high temperatures
- Thermal functional tests
- Improved temperature resistance
- – Critical post-processing
Applications
When aesthetics, micro-details and surface quality are priorities.
Presentation & mock-ups
Smooth and homogeneous surface, ideal for high-end presentation prototypes.
- Display items and demonstration pieces
- Design mock-ups and visual concepts
Markings & Identifications
Micro-details, fine engravings and reliefs: perfect for logos, lettering and textures.
- Precision figurines, logos and markings
- Micro-mechanisms and aesthetic engravings
Aesthetic parts & finishing
For visible components requiring a premium finish and excellent surface quality.
- Trims and aesthetic parts (cars, accessories)
- Functional prototypes with high visual requirements
SLA vs FDM
A quick comparison to choose the best technology based on finish, details and use.
| Criteria | SLA | FDM |
|---|---|---|
| Finishing | Very smooth surface, fine details, premium appearance | Visible layers |
| Details | Excellent micro-details (25–100 µm) | Limited fine detail, less suitable for engravings/reliefs |
| Mechanical resistance | Variable depending on the resin (tough, high temperature, etc.) | Very good depending on the material (PC, Nylon...) |
| Cost / series | Higher per piece, requires post-processing | Advantageous in small batches |
| Uses | Visual prototypes, micro-details, transparent parts | Functional parts, templates, outdoor use |
Tolerances & finishes
Practical recommendations for obtaining clean and assembleable parts.
Tolerances
- Typical accuracy: ±0,1–0,2 mm (depending on geometry)
- Layer heights: 25 / 50 / 100 / 200 µm
- Minimum wall thickness: 0.6–1.0 mm (depending on resin)
- Recommended clearances: 0.3 mm between parts in assembly
- Post-treatments: washing, UV curing, sanding/polishing
Design tips
- Avoid walls < 0.6 mm (Prefer 0.8–1.0 mm)
- For very fine drilling: allow for reaming or re-boring.
- Add fillets and rounding to reduce concentration of effort
- Provide supports for thin areas according to the printing orientation
Service available throughout Quebec
3DVertical provides remote services to businesses and engineering firms across Quebec. Online quotes and fast shipping.
Montreal
Quebec
Sherbrooke
Laval
Levis
Longueuil
Trois-Rivieres
Drummondville
Granby
Saguenay
Gatineau
Start your SLA print job
Send your file to get a quote. We recommend the resin (equivalent category) and post-processing according to your requirements.