Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing utilizes a UV laser to cure layers of photopolymer liquid resin to create solid objects. Because of its high resolution and accuracy, SLA printing is often considered one of the best options for creating intricate or detailed parts. However, this level of accuracy can come with an equal amount of cost and complexity. 

While SLA printing can be expensive, there are several steps you can take to make the process more affordable. Here, we’ll go over the common costs associated with SLA printing and provide tips on how to reduce expenses without sacrificing part quality. 

Understanding SLA 3D Printing Costs

When it comes to budgeting for your SLA 3D printing project, there are various costs to consider – material costs, labor costs, equipment costs, and post-processing costs. Each of these factors will vary depending on your project's complexity, the volume of parts required, and your choice of materials. 

• Material Costs. One of the main costs of SLA 3D printing is the resin used to create your parts. Resin materials can cost anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars per liter, depending on the type of resin you require. Additionally, different finishes and colors can raise resin costs even further.

• Labor Costs. Although 3D printing has increasingly become more automated, the process still requires a significant amount of labor that should be factored into your budget. These costs include everything from initial part design and programming to post-processing the final product. 

• Equipment and Maintenance Costs. Another cost that contributes to the overall price of your SLA 3D printing project is the cost of the equipment itself, along with any maintenance. Even the most high-quality printers require regular maintenance to ensure peak performance, so it’s important to consider these costs when budgeting for your project. 

• Post-Processing Costs. Post-processing involves polishing, sanding, and other finishing processes that ensure the final part meets the required specifications. While some of these processes may be completed in-house, more advanced techniques may require outsourcing to a third-party professional, which can contribute to overall project costs.

Tips to Save on SLA Printing

SLA 3D printing can be an expensive process; however, there are some key steps you can take to minimize costs. These include:

Optimize Your Design

The design of your component plays a large role in the price of SLA 3D printing. To reduce costs, consider optimizing your part design in the following ways:

• When possible, opt for simpler or smaller parts rather than large, complex components that take longer to print and require more material. 

• Optimize wall thickness and avoid designs that could result in trapped volume

• Alter your part’s orientation to minimize supports and printing time. This translates to savings on labor, energy, and resin costs.

• Utilize design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) principles to streamline the SLA 3D printing process.

Choose the Right Material

Explore resin materials that provide the characteristics you need but at a lower price. Expanding your SLA material options not only gives you more choices for your project but also increases the likelihood of finding a cost-effective material that won’t sacrifice part performance. One example is Accura® 25 – an affordable and versatile polypropylene-like material that offers high flexibility, durability, and form retention.

Leverage Economies of Scale

To further reduce SLA printing costs, consider leveraging economies of scale in the following ways:

• Combine multiple parts into a single build to reduce per-unit costs

• Order larger part quantities to benefit from volume discounts

• Batch similar jobs

Partner With the Right SLA Provider

Another way to save on your SLA 3D printing project is by partnering with a reliable and cost-effective SLA service provider. At Empire Group, we are committed to both quality and affordability. As a full-service manufacturer, our expert team can support your project through its entire development journey. We’ll help you determine the right part design and materials to keep your project within budget without compromising on quality.

Contact Empire Group: Your Partner in Cost-Effective SLA Printing

SLA 3D printing can be expensive, but working with an experienced provider can help you cut costs while ensuring high product quality. At Empire Group, we are your one-stop shop for superior SLA 3D printing services. Our experts can strategically reduce costs by streamlining your printing process, improving part designs, and helping you determine affordable materials for your project. We are dedicated to complete customer satisfaction and strive to provide cost-effective services with fast turnaround times.

For more information about our SLA 3D printing services, contact us today or request a quote to get started.