BFGarage · Leeds, West Yorkshire

SLA 3D Printing Service in Leeds

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing from our Leeds workshop. The highest surface quality available from any additive process — ideal for visual prototypes, presentation models, master patterns, and precision parts that demand fine detail.

About This Service

SLA 3D printing uses a UV laser to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, producing parts with exceptional surface smoothness and fine feature resolution. Where FDM shows layer lines, SLA delivers a near-injection-moulded surface finish straight off the machine. It is the technology of choice for visual display models, master patterns for silicone moulding, jewellery casting patterns, dental appliances, and any application where surface quality and dimensional accuracy matter. Our Leeds SLA service covers a range of resins from standard and tough formulations to flexible, high-temperature, and castable options. Upload your STL for an instant quote via our InstaQuote tool.

Key Advantages

  • Finest surface finish of any 3D printing process
  • Layer resolution down to 25 microns
  • Wide resin material selection
  • Isotropic mechanical properties
  • Excellent dimensional accuracy
  • Fast turnaround from our Leeds workshop

Common Applications

High-detail visual prototypes
Master patterns for silicone tooling
Jewellery casting patterns
Dental models and surgical guides
Consumer product cosmetic samples
Fine-feature miniatures and figurines

Materials Available

Standard Resin — smooth finish, rigidTough Resin — impact resistantFlexible / Rubber-like ResinHigh-Temperature ResinCastable Resin — for jewellery and metal castingBiocompatible ResinNylon-like Resin
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the surface finish like on SLA printed parts?
SLA produces the smoothest surface finish available from any 3D printing process. Parts come off the machine with a near-injection-moulded appearance. Additional sanding, priming, and painting can bring the finish to production-quality standard if required.
How accurate is SLA 3D printing?
SLA typically achieves dimensional accuracy of ±0.1 mm on standard features, with layer resolution down to 25 microns. It is significantly more accurate than FDM for small features, thin walls, and fine text. For tight-tolerance functional parts we recommend reviewing the design with us before printing.
Are SLA resin parts UV stable?
Standard photopolymer resins degrade under prolonged UV exposure, which can cause yellowing and brittleness over time. For parts used outdoors or under strong lighting, we recommend specific UV-stable resins or post-print protective coatings. We can advise on the best resin for your application.
What is the difference between SLA and FDM 3D printing?
FDM melts thermoplastic filament to build parts layer by layer — it is cheaper and produces mechanically strong parts in a wide range of engineering materials. SLA cures liquid resin with a UV laser, producing far finer surface detail and tighter tolerances, but generally lower mechanical toughness. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise surface finish and detail (SLA) or material strength and cost (FDM).

Ready to get started?

Upload your CAD file for an instant price, or speak to one of our engineers in Leeds about your project.