HOW DLP DIFFERS
FROM SLA
A UV projector flashes the entire cross-section simultaneously. Print speed is nearly constant regardless of the number of parts in a build — ideal for batch production.
- Faster for full build plates
- Consistent layer exposure
- Pixel-based — excellent for flat features
- Lower cost per part at volume
A laser traces each cross-section one point at a time. Slower for complex or filled layers, but can achieve very fine minimum feature sizes on tall, narrow geometries.
- Better for very tall, narrow parts
- Laser spot can follow any path
- Slower when layer area is large
- Formlabs Form 4 ecosystem
THREE QUALITY LEVELS
Maximum resolution for dental models, jewelry masters, and optical parts. Near-invisible layer lines.
Balanced quality and speed. Recommended for most DLP applications — prototypes, enclosures, functional parts.
Lower resolution but fast throughput. Good for quick design iterations and fit checks.
6 RESINS
AVAILABLE
Best entry-point resin for display models, concept parts, and anything requiring a smooth finish at low cost.
Simulates ABS toughness in a photopolymer. Excellent for snap fits, functional enclosures, and mechanical prototypes.
Near-optical transparency after post-processing. Used for lenses, fluid channels, light pipes, and display covers.
Shore 50A elastomeric resin with excellent tear resistance. Perfect for gaskets, grips, and wearable device prototypes.
Withstands temperatures above 200°C. Used for thermoforming tools, under-hood automotive parts, and LED housings.
High-accuracy dental model resin with Class I biocompatibility. Prints study models, surgical guides, and orthodontic parts.
WHAT WE PRINT
Smooth-surface concept models and show parts that look production-ready straight off the printer.
Study models, surgical guides, and orthodontic appliances with sub-50 µm accuracy.
Clear resin lenses, light pipes, and fluid-channel microfluidic chips with optical clarity.
Intricate jewelry masters, sculptures, and patterns with detail too fine for FDM.
Enclosures, button caps, and lens covers that match injection-mold appearance.
Thermoforming and vacuum-forming tools, LED housings, and under-hood automotive fixtures.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Both cure liquid resin with UV light, but DLP projects the full layer at once while SLA traces it with a laser point. DLP is faster for full build plates; SLA can have a finer spot size for very narrow, tall features.
Yes — especially with ABS-Like and High-Temp resins. DLP parts reach 60–200°C heat resistance depending on the resin. For structural or impact-critical parts, FDM Nylon or SLS are still better choices.
Print in Clear Resin at the Precise quality setting (0.025 mm layers), then wet-sand through 400→2000 grit and apply a UV-curing clear coat. This achieves near-optical clarity.
Yes. Standard and ABS-Like resins accept acrylic paints and spray lacquers after light sanding. Flexible resin requires flexible-formula paints to avoid cracking.
Our DLP system has an XY resolution of 28 µm (0.028 mm). Minimum printable feature: ~0.1 mm wall thickness, 0.2 mm hole diameter. Z resolution is controlled by layer height — down to 0.025 mm.