Aspect | Stereolithography (SLA) | Digital Light Processing (DLP) | Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) |
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Technology | Uses a laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. | Uses a digital projector to cure resin in full layers. | Uses a projector combined with an oxygen-permeable membrane to cure resin continuously. |
Speed | Moderate, depends on the complexity of each layer. | Generally faster than SLA as entire layers are cured simultaneously. | Extremely fast due to continuous printing process without layer-by-layer pause. |
Accuracy | Very high detail and accuracy. | High accuracy, slightly less detail than SLA due to pixelation effects. | Comparable to SLA and DLP, but excels in smooth surface finishes due to lack of visible layer lines. |
Materials | Wide range of proprietary and standard resins available. | Typically uses standard resins that are adaptable to quicker curing. | Uses specialized resins capable of rapid curing necessary for continuous production. |
Strength | Parts are generally strong but can be brittle depending on the resin. | Similar strength to SLA, material properties depend on the specific resin used. | Strong parts with mechanical properties improved by continuous layers. |
Surface Finish | Excellent surface finish with minimal visible layers. | Good surface quality with slight stair-stepping on curves. | Produces almost entirely smooth surfaces with no visible layer lines. |
Machine Costs | High due to precise laser and optics systems. | Generally lower than SLA due to simpler projector technology. | High, often more expensive due to advanced technology and materials. |
Operational Complexity | Requires careful handling of resins and post-processing (washing and curing). | Similar to SLA with need for post-processing. | Requires significant post-processing and careful tuning of the oxygen-permeable membrane. |
Applications | Prototyping, jewelry, dental, and medical applications. | Rapid prototyping, particularly where smooth surfaces and intricate details are not as critical. | Suitable for high-volume production and applications requiring fine details and superior surface quality. |