Stereolithography SLA / Digital Light Projection DLP 

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing process that uses Ultraviolet (UV) lasers to draw out each layer of a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model into a vat of photopolymer liquid resin. The photopolymers are sensitive to UV light and solidify into a rigid polymer at the points where the laser meets it. The process is repeated for each layer of the model. 

Digital Light Projection (DLP) printers that are used to create high-resolution 3D printed artefacts. DLP uses the same types of photopolymers as SLA but replaces the UV laser with a 4K monitor. The monitor is used to project an entire layer or cross section of the CAD file into the resin and the object is built up and lifted out of the bath one layer at a time. 

Benefits of SLA and DLP are very high-resolution parts, down to 25-micron layers, which produces models similar to injection moulded parts. These models have support structures which are required to hold the model in place during printing. PrintCity has a dedicated post-production facility to assist with this.

There are a range of resins available for specific uses that include DentalMedicalJewelleryEngineering and High Resolution Models . 

5 x Formlabs Form 2 [145x145x175] SLA 

1 x Formlabs Form 3B [145x145x185] SLA 

4 x Formlabs Form 3 [145x145x185] SLA 

2 x Formlabs Form 3L [335x200x300] SLA 

2 x Photocentric Liquid Crystal [470x240xx340] DLP 

Get in touch

If you're interested in working with us, or have questions about studying with us please get in contact.

 Telephone: 0161 247 6464

 Email: printcity@mmu.ac.uk

 Twitter: PrintCityMMU

    Data Protection

    The Manchester Metropolitan University (‘the University’) is the Data Controller for the personal data you disclose via this form. We will use your personal data in order to manage your enquiry. If you have consented to receive our marketing communications we will also use your personal data to send you targeted information about PrintCity and benefits which we think will be of interest. You can withdraw your consent to receiving any, or all, of the above communications at any point by emailing manmetuni@mmu.ac.uk. For further information about us, how we process your personal data and your rights, please view our privacy notice.

    Our Equipment

    Mortar & Clay

    In conjunction with the CIRMAP research project, PrintCity developed a sustainable 3D printing mortar using recycled fine aggregates sourced from demolition waste. As such, we have 2 machines capable of …

    Continuous Fiber Fabrication 

    Continuous Fiber Fabrication (CFF) printing is a process unique to Markforged. It combines Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) with a second extruder (print head) that deposits a continuous strand of reinforcing material, such as Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber or Aramid …

    Metal

    PrintCity is home to the Metal X printer, which is capable of printing high-resolution metal parts. The printer uses 17-2PH Stainless Steel, H13 Tool Steel, Inconel 625 and Copper.  The Metal X printer employs the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process to extrude …

    Multi Jet Fusion 

    Full colour 3D printing capabilities are possible with our Muti Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. The MJF process uses an inkjet array to deposit fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon …

    Post-processing

    Vapor Smoothing  In addition to additive and subtractive manufacturing technologies, PrintCity also accommodates some post-processing technologies. Not all 3D printed parts are ready for end use, dependant on the materials …

    Subtractive

    Alongside additive manufacturing technologies, PrintCity also has subtractive capabilities in a variety of machines. Milling A 3-axis computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine, the DATRON neo is designed to allow flexibility in machining …

    Fused Filament Fabrication 

    PrintCity has over 30 Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM*) printers.  These printers enable production using low-cost materials, with a wide range of colour and polymer options. The filaments also come in several …

    Selective Laser Sintering 

    Powder printing capabilities at PrintCity include Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) which uses a high-powered laser to sinter small particles of polymer powder into solid structures.  The technology allows the printing of complex parts with no …

    Scanning

    PrintCity currently has a variety of 3D scanning technologies in its facility. When looking for a scanning solution there can be many obstacles such as time, size, and location, PrintCity …

    Polyjet

    PrintCity received the UK’s first Stratasys J850 Prime FabriX Polyjet printer in 2023. This technology works by depositing small droplets of resin which are cured by Ultraviolet Light (UV) during the printing process.  With the addition …