Dorval Technologies is one of a handful of Canadian service sites for stereolithography. With two 3D Systems® stereolithography machines in house, we can generate parts from your computer files within 3 working days.

Stereolithography produces precise three-dimensional models. First, the SLA machine takes successive cross-sections of your CAD model, in increments of 0.004"-0.006". Based on the information in each cross-section, a laser is directed into a tank of liquid epoxy resin. The photosensitive SLA resin is cured by the light beam, and each successive cross-section becomes a solid increment in your prototype. Within minutes or hours your prototype is built, the uncured portion of the resin is drained off, and with minor finishing operations your part is ready for painting and assembly.

Stereolithography is the engine that drives rapid tooling. An SLA part can be used as the master pattern in the manufacture of vacuum cast, thermoplastic-like prototypes, in the production of wax patterns for metal investment casting, and in the creation of rapid "hybrid" molds for injection-molded pre-production runs in end-use thermo-plastics. Where a high-precision, closely toleranced, cast metal one-off is required, an SLA model formed in QuickCast® material can be used as the master pattern for investment casting.

With its capacity to quickly generate samples ranging in size from small thin-walled parts to large, complex aircraft components, stereolithography will dramatically boost the speed of your product development cycle. Its versatility, its low cost, and its high accuracy have made it an essential tool for designers and engineers.