• Kelyniam SLA utilizes the capabilities of Stereolithography (SLA) to produce high quality prototypes. Unlike most of our competitors, Kelyniam SLA does not have a minimum project charge. We don't believe that you should have to pay a large setup fee or cleaning fee for your small part. Our SLA machines have been retrofitted with a high power solid-state laser, producing consistent high quality, high tolerance parts.

the
stereolithography
process

To begin you need to have created a CAD file of a 3D model you want to produce. From here, the model is imported into the SLA software program where it is supported as needed. (These supports generally occur in areas with undercuts and overhangs.) Once all proper supports are in place the file is ready to be "sliced". The "slicing" process is how your CAD file is translated to the Stereolithography machine. At this point the model is "sliced" into .004" thick layers. These layers are what the SLA Machine will use to "grow" the part one layer at a time.

Next the "sliced" model is sent to the SLA machine which will build the part out of epoxy photopolymer. The process begins when the tray attached to the elevator arm slowly descends into the vat at increments of .004" per layer. After the supports are grown the laser then concentrated on growing the parts. It used the mirrors to control the laser and trace out the part in the resin. When the laser touches the resin it is cured and that section of the part is grown. Once the layer is drawn, a sweeper drags across the initial surface to smooth it out and prepare it for the next layer. From here the tray is lowered .004" into the vat where the steps are repeated until there is a three dimensional object dictated by the original CAD file.

When the objected has been completed, the elevator is raised out of the vat where the vat is then allowed to drain. The object is then removed from the tray, cleaned, and placed in a curing oven. The oven consists of a UV Flood Systems that fully cures the prototype. When the prototype finishes curing it is sanded and finished to the customer's specifications.