Our vision is to utilise 3D digital manufacturing technologies to make production-grade parts for end-use applications. To fulfil this vision, we need to focus our materials offering.

Therefore from 3rd August 2020, we will no longer be offering SLA materials.

This includes: 

• Standard Resin (SLA)

• Clear Resin (SLA) 

Why are we removing SLA from our technology offering?

As a company, we are focused on offering high quality, durable products through our automated manufacturing service. There are a few reasons why SLA technologies are not continuing with our business' growth. 

1. Material Properties

   Resin 3D prints are aesthetically brilliant but have many shortcomings when used as a functional component. The materials are brittle, susceptible to Creep and UV degradation. As a company, we focus on providing durable, long-lasting 3D printed parts, therefore SLA does not currently fit into our business model. 

2. Automation / Scalability 

   Support material is required to print resin parts. Each of these supports must be removed, marks sanded and then oiled by hand. All of this labour reduces the scalability of offering an SLA 3D printing service. 

3. Material Costs

   Photoreactive Resins are one of the most expensive polymer 3D printing materials, making SLA our most expensive material offering. In this instance, the increased cost did not equal quality due to the material properties of the resin. Our highest quality technology is SLS (selective laser sintering), of which 90% of resin orders could be satisfied with a higher standard.

What Material Should I Choose Now? 

The short answer is PA12 Nylon (SLS). 90% of all our SLA resin orders could be achieved in SLS to a high level of detail and improved working properties. There are a few things to watch out for, including the minimum thickness of parts. Best to check our design guidelines for SLS. 

Where can I get SLA Resin 3D Prints now? 

We understand that this change will not suit everyone. Sometimes SLA is the best technology for the job. Aesthetic qualities such as transparency and surface roughness are occasionally essential to a project, and therefore, SLA is required. Luckily the price of entry for SLA 3D printing is drastically decreasing year on year. 

Option 1: Buy a desktop SLA printer

There are SLA 3D printers now available under £500! Within the desktop market for SLA, you get what you pay for, that's why we recommend going for the industry leader Formlabs Form 3

Option 2: Use an SLA 3D Printing Bureau Service

Although we are no longer offering SLA 3D Prints. It doesn't mean there are not other great companies using SLA.

For Large Transparent SLA Parts:
Our friends at Fixie 3D use large format industrial SLA machines, with an extremely high level of part quality. 

For Jewellery:
Just Castings have been in the jewellery trade for years. This Hatton Garden casting house can also print your masters.

We'd love to hear your feedback!
Drop us an email at print@3dpeople.uk and let us know how this change affects you.