SLA 3D printing — precision and detail for demanding tasks

Last updated: 9 April 2026 · Author: Henrik Beck, Maker Factory · 3D printing since 2013

Table of Contents

1. What is SLA 3D printing?
2. When do you choose SLA over FDM?
3. SLA vs. FDM — comparison
4. SLA materials at Maker Factory
5. Typical tasks we solve with SLA
6. Miniature 3D printing for tabletop gaming and hobby
7. What does SLA 3D printing cost?
8. FAQ

SLA 3D printing is the choice when detail, surface quality and precision matter more than material strength and price. At Maker Factory we offer SLA printing in 8 material types — from standard engineering resin to transparent, flex and high-temperature variants. Read more about SLA technology, our general 3D printing service and the alternative FDM technology.

What is SLA 3D printing?

SLA (Stereolithography) uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. Layer thickness can go down to 0.025 mm — for comparison, a human hair strand is approximately 70 µm. SLA is the oldest 3D printing technology (patented in 1986) and remains the reference standard for surface quality and fine detail.

1. UV laser cures the resin — layer by layer from the bottom up.
2. Washing and post-curing — parts are washed in IPA and post-cured under UV light.
3. Support removal and finishing — supports are removed and the surface can be post-processed.

When do you choose SLA over FDM?

The choice between SLA and FDM is not about which technology is best — it is about what the task requires. SLA is the right choice when surfaces, level of detail and precision outweigh price and mechanical properties. Here are the situations where SLA consistently delivers better results:

• Presentation prototypes — SLA parts resemble injection-moulded products. The surface is smooth straight off the printer without sanding.
• Tight tolerances — precision below ±0.1 mm for assemblies, gears and parts that must fit precisely against each other.
• Fine details below 1 mm — geometries that FDM cannot reproduce. Text, logos, rib structures and fine cavities are rendered sharply.
• Transparent and optical parts — transparent resin can be post-processed to optical clarity by sanding and polishing.
• Jewellery models and casting — castable resin burns out completely during investment casting in gold, silver and bronze.
• Dental and medical use — biocompatible resin materials for dental models, surgical guides and orthopaedic aids.
• Miniatures and collectible figures — tabletop RPG figures and Warhammer miniatures benefit from SLA's ability to render detail at very small scale.

High detail and smooth surface

If your part is small, detailed or needs to look presentation-ready straight off the printer, SLA is typically the right choice. Narrow geometries, gear teeth, textures and embossed text are handled far better in resin. An FDM part that needs sanding and painting to hide layer lines costs almost the same as an SLA print — with more work and less sharpness.

Transparency and optics

If you need a part that is clear or semi-transparent — lens cups, fluid manifolds, display covers — SLA with clear resin is the only 3D printing option that gives an acceptable result. FDM in transparent PETG is not truly transparent: the layers scatter light and result in a milky appearance.

Medical and dental

SLA resin is available in biocompatible variants certified for skin contact and short-term implants. For dental models, surgical guides and orthopaedic prototypes, SLA is the standard. FDM materials are not certified for the same applications — this is regulatory, not a question of quality.

SLA vs. FDM — comparison

SLA materials at Maker Factory

• Engineering Resin — the standard choice for functional prototypes.
• Tough Resin — ABS-like, resistant to impact.
• Transparent Resin — optically clear after post-processing.
• Flex Resin — elastic and flexible.
• PA-like Resin — high tensile strength and stiffness.
• High Temperature Resin — HDT up to 238 °C.
• Ceramic Resin — for firing and aesthetic applications.
• Miniature Resin — optimised for ultra-fine details in miniatures and figures.

Typical tasks we solve with SLA

• Product prototypes — presentation-ready models before series production.
• Dental and orthopaedics — dental models and surgical guides.
• Jewellery models — castable resin for casting in gold and silver.
• Electronics and optics — enclosures with tight tolerances.
• Architectural models — detailed building models.
• Miniatures and hobby — tabletop RPG figures and collectables.

We have experience with medical and health, electronics and technology and advertising and events.

Miniature 3D printing for tabletop gaming and hobby

SLA is the technology driving the hobbyist miniature world. Layer thicknesses of 0.025–0.05 mm make it possible to reproduce facial features, armour details and textures on figures as small as 28 mm.

• Dungeons & Dragons — heroes, monsters and dungeon elements in 28–32 mm scale.
• Warhammer and wargames — infantry and large figures (54 mm+) with sharp armour details.
• Board games and tokens — unique game pieces, tokens and terrain elements.
• Collector figures — individual figures in 75–120 mm for painting and display.
• Custom characters — your character modelled from a description or STL file.

We use Miniature Resin with low shrinkage — figures delivered ready for priming and painting without sanding. Have an STL file ready? We print figures from Kickstarters, Patreon sets and platforms like MyMiniFactory directly. Send the file and quantity — price within 24 hours.

We offer three products for miniatures:

• Figure Pack — Design & 3D Print of Miniatures — no file? We design and print your figure from scratch.
• Hero Print — Miniatures in Small Series — 1–24 figures from your own STL files.
• Dungeon Army — Miniatures in Large Series — series printing from 25 pcs. Lowest unit price.

What does SLA 3D printing cost at Maker Factory?

• Tabletop figures 28–32 mm: DKK 45–90 per figure.
• Larger figures 54–75 mm: DKK 120–250 per figure.
• Small detail parts and prototypes (under 5 cm): from DKK 150–350.
• Medium-sized prototypes (5–15 cm): DKK 350–900.
• Specialty materials (ceramic, high-temp, castable): 20–40% surcharge.
• Series from 5+ pcs.: unit price decreases — contact us for series quote.

Read more about pricing in What does 3D printing cost?

Frequently asked questions about SLA 3D printing

What is the difference between SLA and FDM?

FDM melts plastic filament and is best for large, mechanical parts. SLA cures resin with a UV laser and provides far better detail and surface quality. Choose FDM for function and size, SLA for precision and finish.

Can you print tabletop figures and Warhammer miniatures?

Yes. We print in Miniature Resin with layer thickness down to 0.025 mm. See Figure Pack, Hero Print and Dungeon Army.

Can SLA parts be used functionally?

Yes. Tough Resin, Engineering Resin and PA-like Resin provide good strength. High Temperature Resin withstands up to 238 °C. Resin is generally more brittle than FDM materials under impact and bending.

How smooth is the surface of an SLA print?

SLA parts come out with surface quality reminiscent of injection-moulded products. Ra values of 1–3 µm without post-processing. With light sanding and polishing, transparent resin can be made optically clear.

What is the delivery time for SLA printing?

Typically 2–4 business days. Express delivery within 24 hours can be arranged — contact us directly.

Can you print in castable resin for jewellery casting?

Yes. Castable resin for investment casting in gold, silver and bronze. The model burns out without ash. Contact us with your measurements.

What must my file meet for SLA printing?

We accept STL, STEP and OBJ. Minimum detail is 0.3 mm. Minimum wall thickness at least 0.8 mm. Send the file and we review it free of charge before printing.

Want to read more? See also FDM vs. SLA — which method suits your project? and What does 3D printing cost?. Background on the technology at Wikipedia on stereolithography.