Layer thickness
0.050 or 0.100 mm
System construction space
750 x 650 x 550 mm
Available materials
Accura® Xtreme, Accura® 25, Somos® WaterClear Ultra, Somos® ProtoTherm, Somos® Taurus
Optional properties
Transparent, translucent, high-strength, flexible, temperature-resistant
Lead time
2–5 working days
system in daily use
More information
Perfect for product developers. Prototyping with stereolithography is ideal for product development. For example, to check whether a product is suitable for the subsequent requirements or whether improvements are still necessary. It is ideal for detailed models or small series thanks to high precision, flexible component sizes, a wide variety of available materials and fast delivery times.
Stereolithography involves curing liquid epoxy resin or acrylic resin using a UV laser beam. We build these master models with a layer thickness of 0.100 mm. Smaller components can also be built with 0.050 mm as an option. For our customers, this guarantees the highest possible accuracy with minimal deviation from the target geometry. Individual processing is thus ensured.
Functional components with stereolithography
With a total of seven stereolithography systems, 1zu1 Prototypes sets new standards in production – we use optimal machines and premium materials to achieve outstanding results in accordance with the most diverse customer requirements. Our high-precision machines open up further prototyping possibilities by processing a wide variety of resins (e.g., high-strength, flexible, transparent, temperature-resistant).
Transparent components with stereolithography
1zu1 prototypes – transparent and UV-resistant stereolithography models. After production, the models are polished to a high gloss and are scarcely distinguishable from high-quality series models – a decisive advantage for their development to series maturity. We have also perfected the production of high-precision transparent prototypes in vacuum casting. In addition, 1zu1 Prototypes sets new standards in the production of single and/or multi-component parts.
In stereolithography, the laser is controlled by means of the specified data. This ensures that, in the current sectional plane of the component, only the areas of the liquid photopolymer are exposed in which material should be visible.
After the working platform is lowered into the polymer bath by the distance corresponding to the thickness of the cured layer, the previously built-up part is covered with another thin layer of liquid polymer. This allows the curing process to be repeated in accordance with the data for the current section plane. This process is repeated until the entire component is finished. The complete curing process takes place in a post-curing cabinet by means of UV irradiation.
(1) Laser
(2) Mirror
(3) Spindle lift
(4) Component
(5) Liquid photopolymer
With the help of a special support geometry, overhanging structures are fixed to the construction platform. Their task is to secure the resulting part in the polymer bath and thus prevent the layers from “floating away”. The use of this supporting structure is a special feature of stereolithography. This is due to use of a liquid starting material. The support geometry is removed during finishing and is the only waste generated during the stereolithography process.
Finishing of stereolithography parts
We offer different quality levels for finishing of stereolithography master models. This helps to keep your development costs as low as possible. Stereolithography surface treatment is essentially dependent on three factors:
- the chosen follow-up procedure (e.g., vacuum casting)
- the required prototype quality
- and its intended use
As the starting point, preparations are made for the required type of post-processing (this will depend on the applied rapid prototyping process, the subsequent duplication process, the part's intended use and the prototype material). These preparations involve several steps: Any residues of the starting material are completely removed, the component surfaces are cleaned and, if necessary, chemically treated with solvents.
We differentiate between three possible quality levels for the production of SLA/STL prototypes:
First Class
Is the standard for parts manufactured via STL. The quoted price always corresponds to the First-Class version, unless another version is explicitly specified.
- For models with demanding surface-quality requirements such as high-gloss and structured surfaces (design models, trade fair models, customer presentations)
- Master models for vacuum casting with demanding surface-quality requirements
Business Class
If this finish is selected, break-outs are not corrected and the parts are not polished. It is usually possible to arrange subsequent return delivery for a First-Class finish.
- Master models for vacuum casting with low surface-quality requirements
Economy Class
With this finish, the procedural construction stages from the STL process are not removed. This version can be upgraded to Business or First Class at a later date (by arrangement).
Of course, we can also process these parts in vacuum casting if the surface quality is sufficient.
- For design review
- As a basis for discussions regarding tool design
- For subordinate components without special surface requirements
Assignment of work according to quality levels
| First Class | Business Class | Economy Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | |||
| Remove support geometries | |||
| Remove gradation Grain: 120–180 |
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| Correct outbreaks | |||
| Grinding on the visible side Grain: 220–320 |
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| Fitting to the assembly | |||
| Blasting with corundum | |||
| Vacuum casting possible |
- Inquiry: 1. Configure 2. Upload files 3. Complete your inquiry
- Quote
- Job
- Delivery
Stereolithography (STL/SLA)
1zu1direkt: Our product range can be ordered online ...| Material | Accura® Xtreme | Accura® 25 | Somos® WaterClear Ultra | Somos® ProtoTherm 12120 | Somos® Taurus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Standard material, durable, impact resistant. Highly suitable for dimensional, fit and function models | Sturdy and very flexible. For components that need to look like white polypropylene. A good choice for models intended for market research or trade fair presentations | Transparent, highly transparent or frosted glass effect. Lets you see inside the model. Suitable for showpieces, teaching materials, fiber optics, bottles or lenses |
Thermally stable up to 121° Celsius. Ideal for small electronic plugs or parts used to analyze the flow behavior of liquids in the high-temperature range. |
Good strength at temperatures up to 85 ° Celsius. Very high load-bearing capacity, suitable for near-series parts. Detailed graphics via fine laser. |
| Hardness [Shore D] | 86 | 80 | 86–87 | 85/87 | 83 |
| Density [g/cm³] | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.13 | 1.15 | 1.13 |
| Modulus of elasticity [MPa] | 1790–1980 | 1590–1660 | 3520/3250 | 2310 | |
| Flexural modulus [MPa] | 1520–2070 | 1380–1660 | 2410–2570 | 3320/3060 | 2054 |
| Flexural strength [MPa] | 52–71 | 55–58 | 109/103 | 73.8 | |
| Tensile strength [MPa] | 38–44 | 38 | 55–56 | 70.2/77.0 | 46.9 |
| Notch impact strength [J/m] | 35–52 | 19–24 | 24–26 | 12/17 | 47.5 |
| Elongation at break [%] | 14–22 | 13–20 | 6–9 | 4.0/4.5 | 24 |
| Heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa [°C]. | 62 | 60 | 56.5/126.2 | 62 | |
| Heat deflection temperature at 1.81 MPa [°C]. | 54 | 51.9/110.7 | 91 | ||
| Water absorption [%] | 0.37/0.24 | ||||
| Standard layer thickness [mm] | 0.10 NR or 0.05 HR mode | 0.10 NR or 0.05 HR mode | 0.10 NR or 0.05 HR mode | 0.10 NR or 0.05 HR mode | 0.10 NR or 0.05 HR mode |
| Appearance/color | gray (RAL-7045) | yellowish-white | absolutely transparent and largely UV resistant | red/orange translucent | similar to RAL 7016 |
Currently, there are 7 STL systems available. The layer thickness ranges from 0.100 mm to 0.050 mm. In terms of current standards, this guarantees the highest possible accuracy, minimal deviation from the nominal geometry and custom processing.
