MSLA (LCD) 3D printing: resin and an LCD mask

How MSLA works

Beneath the vat of resin there is an LED panel with an LCD screen above it. The screen shows the shape of one layer in black and white: dark pixels block the light and light ones let it through. The resin cures where it is lit and the plate moves up by one layer. It is a variant of SLA that does not use a laser but, like DLP, lights a whole layer at once. These machines are cheap, which is exactly why resin printing has spread to home users. The principle of stereolithography is the same.

What MSLA can and cannot do

• Detail. Resolution is set by the screen's pixel size, so tiny figurines and lettering come out very clean.
• Smooth surface. Layers are barely visible.
• Brittleness and ageing. Common resins are hard but brittle, and they turn yellow in the sun.
• Awkward handling. Uncured resin irritates the skin, and parts have to be washed and post-cured. Waste has to be disposed of properly.
• The screen wears out and is replaced from time to time.

What this means for your order

We do not print MSLA. We print with FDM in PLA and PETG. If you need something else, write to jakub.novak@boostello.com. We do not promise a print in advance, but we can advise.

Our parts have visible 0.2 mm layers, which you will not notice on holders, covers and ordinary spare parts. We do not finish surfaces afterwards. If you have a figurine with very fine detail, MSLA is better for it. If a part has to carry something, must not crack on impact and should come straight off the plate into your hand, PETG from FDM is the more sensible choice.

Safety and lifespan of parts

Uncured resin is an irritant, and parts have to be washed with solvent and post-cured under UV light after printing. Even a finished part should not come into contact with food unless the resin maker expressly allows it, see food safety. In sunlight resin parts turn yellow and become brittle over time. Our parts in PLA and PETG need no washing or post-curing and are finished as soon as they are printed.