History of 3D printing technology using SLA light-cured resins

The history of stereolithography, or SLA 3D printing technology, is a fascinating example of evolution and innovation in the field of 3D printing. The origins of this technology date back to the early 1980s, when Japanese inventor Hideo Kodama was the first to publish the concept of curing photopolymers using UV light. Nevertheless, it is Charles Hull, co-founder of 3D Systems, who is widely recognized as the father of stereolithography. In 1986, Hull obtained a patent for this technology, ushering in a new era in the additive manufacturing industry.

Hull ran into patent problems with DuPont, which led to lengthy litigation. Nevertheless, his company, 3D Systems, became a pioneer and industry leader by introducing the world’s first commercial SLA 3D printer. Since then, SLA has rapidly developed to become one of the major additive technologies, valued for its ability to create precise and complex parts with high-quality surface finishes.

In the last decade, SLA has gained popularity thanks to companies such as Formlabs, which was founded by MIT graduates in 2011. Formlabs’ launch of its Form 1 3D printer on Kickstarter was a game-changer, making relatively inexpensive but high-quality SLA 3D printers available to a wider audience. Formlabs’ success, however, did not go unnoticed. In 2012, 3D Systems filed a patent lawsuit against Formlabs, highlighting the increasing competition and complexity of the patent landscape in the 3D printing industry.

Today, SLA is an integral part of the 3D printing industry. Any large company providing services in this field should consider having an SLA 3D printer due to its unique advantages. Compared to technologies such as SLS (selective laser sintering) or MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), SLA offers higher accuracy and better surface finish. This is crucial especially in cases where precision of details, smoothness of surfaces or the ability to create more complex geometries are required.

An example of a company that fully understands this is Technology Applied – the largest Polish 3D printing house, which, in addition to many industrial machines printing with SLS or MJF polyamide powders, has a large-format SLA 3D printer from the Italian company DWS Systems. In an industry that is constantly developing and where newer technologies are emerging, SLA remains one of the key 3D printing methods, valuable for both designers and engineers.

Photo: www.ta.parts