Each additive manufacturing (AM) process has its own limitation. Understanding each process capabilities and limitations will save your time and cost massively in your project. Before designing your part, always take a look on the design guidelines for the process that will be utilized to fabricate your part.

Different SLA system with different laser spot size and different resin utilization will produce different level of print details. Hence, always check with the manufacturer on their designated machine that will be used to manufacture your design.

Below are the general design guidelines for SLA:

Wall Thickness

Ensure design the hole diameter of 1mm or above. Diameter as small as 0.5mm is possible. However, it depends on the build print orientation and part geometry.

Hole in Z-axis might slightly smaller in comparison to x and y axes after printing. Hence, the orientation of the part during printing will also affect the size and accuracy of the hole.

Hole Diameter

Ensure design the hole diameter of 1mm or above. Diameter as small as 0.5mm is possible. However, it depends on the build print orientation and part geometry.

Hole in Z-axis might slightly smaller in comparison to x and y axes after printing. Hence, the orientation of the part during printing will also affect the size and accuracy of the hole.

Gap

Ensure a minimum gap of 0.5mm. Any gaps less than 0.5mm will be merged together.

This is entirely dependent on part geometry and also part orientation too.

Pin Diameter

Ensure the minimum pin diameter of 1mm. Finer structures are possible but dependent on part orientation.

Engraved Details

Ensure the engraved details including text at least 0.35mm in width and at least 0.35mm in depth.

Protruded Details

Same as engraved details, ensure the protruded details at least 0.35mm in width and at least 0.35mm extruded in depth.

Assembly

Make sure at least 0.5mm clearance for moving parts. This is to ensure there is enough space for both moving parts to move smoothly.