Liquid resin cured by light — the way to reach the finest detail and the smoothest surfaces. Three systems in house, from Origin One to Form 4L.
In resin printing the part is built out of a bath of liquid resin that hardens at precise points under light. In the classic method a laser traces point by point; in the modern methods an LED screen projects a whole layer at once, which makes the process far faster.
Surfaces almost as smooth as a moulded part, and fine detail no other process reaches. This is the choice when a part is small, intricate, and has to look finished.
How it works
The build platform dips into a bath of liquid resin. A light source — a laser or an LED screen — projects the cross-section of the layer, and the resin hardens exactly where it was lit. The platform rises by one layer, fresh resin flows underneath, and it repeats. When the build finishes the part is washed in solvent and given a final UV cure.
SLA versus MSLA
In classic SLA a laser scans the cross-section point by point — accurate but slow. In MSLA (as on the Form 4) an LED screen projects the entire layer at once, so print time barely depends on how many parts are on the platform. That fundamentally changes the economics of small series.
Origin One runs Stratasys P3 technology — an advanced variation of light projection, using engineering Loctite resins intended for end-use parts, not only prototypes.
The systems we run
| System | Why we use it |
|---|---|
| Origin One | Engineering Loctite resins for end-use parts, high accuracy |
| Form 4 | High speed, 46 micron pixel, wide resin range |
| Form 4L | Large resin parts in one piece — up to 353 × 196 × 350 mm |
Resin materials
We print rigid, flexible, clear, castable, temperature-resistant and biocompatible resins. Full technical data and manufacturer datasheets are on our resin materials pages.
When resin printing is the right choice
- Very fine detail — small, intricate parts, tiny lettering, thin grooves and textures
- Surfaces that must be smooth without additional finishing
- Patterns and casting — dedicated resins for metal casting and silicone moulds
- Transparency — lenses, windows, fluid models
- Medical and dental models with biocompatible resins
And when something else is better
- A functional part under sustained load — MJF or SLS in PA12
- Prolonged sun exposure — resins age under UV; ASA on FDM is the answer
- A large series of large parts — the powder processes are cheaper
- High temperature resistance — ULTEM on FDM
Accuracy, finish and what to expect
The tolerance we work to on SLA is ±0.2% with a minimum of ±0.2 mm — the tightest of our technologies. Our full published figures are in our terms.
Achievable accuracy still depends on part size and geometry, so we confirm tolerances against your drawing before printing rather than promising a blanket figure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SLA and MSLA?
The light source. In SLA a laser scans the layer cross-section point by point; in MSLA an LED screen projects the whole layer at once. That means MSLA print time depends on part height rather than on how many parts are on the platform — a significant advantage on small series. Both reach similar surface quality.
Are resin parts brittle?
Standard resins are indeed less impact resistant than nylon or ABS. But engineering resins exist — rigid, durable and even flexible — that approach thermoplastic properties. We will match the resin to your requirement, and if it is not enough we will recommend a different technology.
Do resin parts degrade in sunlight?
Yes. Photopolymers keep reacting to UV after printing, so a part exposed to sun over time can yellow and become brittle. For outdoor use we would recommend ASA on FDM, or a protective coating.
What is the maximum size?
353 × 196 × 350 mm on the Form 4L, in one piece. Larger parts can be split and bonded, or moved to another process.
How long does it take?
Resin prints are relatively fast, and on MSLA a full platform takes little longer than a single part. Washing and final curing follow the print. Actual lead time depends on current load.
Have a file? We will tell you whether resin is the right choice
Send a STEP or STL and we will come back with a recommendation on technology, material and price for the quantity you need — including if the answer is that another process suits you better.
Indus3D is an additive manufacturing bureau in Israel, an approved supplier to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, AS9100D and ISO 9001 certified. We run a range of printing technologies under one roof and support projects from file to finished part.