SLA printers

These machines use SLA as their 3D printing technology: Instead of pushing plastic through a hot nozzle, it uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that cures (hardens) when exposed to a specific wavelength of light (typically 405nm but sometimes 385nm).

While we do not have such a printer at the Space (as of 2026-5), there are several members who have one at home.

How do they work?

The printer's build plate starts by submerging into the liquid resin tank, leaving only a microscopic gap between the plate and the transparent film at the bottom of the vat. A light source (either a precision laser or a high-resolution UV light screen (often called MSLA)) projects the shape of the layer from underneath the tank. This light instantly solidifies the liquid resin, bonding it to the build plate (and the film). The plate then lifts up slightly to let fresh liquid flow underneath, lowers back down, and repeats the process for the next layer.

The major difference is that only one axis is moved resulting in additional higher accuracy and that the whole layer is printed at the same time resulting in different print times depending on the part orientation.

Slicers for SLA Printing

Just like FDM, SLA printers need a slicer to translate 3D models into layers. However, SLA slicers handle different tasks, focusing heavily on generating specific types of support structures, hollowing out solid models to save resin, and adding drain holes so liquid doesn't get trapped inside (e.g. sparse infill is not possible).

• Chitubox: The standard and most common slicer for entry-to-mid-level resin printers. It offers excellent automatic support generation and powerful hollowing tools.
• Lychee Slicer: A highly popular alternative known for its smart automation, and advanced support features (at least in the pro version).
• PrusaSlicer: While primarily used for FDM, it has robust built-in SLA slicing capabilities, especially if an open-source workflow is preferred.