Stereolithography (SLA) Technology 3D Printing Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027

One of the most popular and widely used additive manufacturing techniques is stereolithography, more commonly known as SLA 3D printing. Laser energy is used to harden liquid resin stored in a reservoir, allowing the desired 3D shape to be created. Photopolymerization and a low-power laser combine to create layers of solid plastics in layers of photosensitive liquid. This form of 3D printing, also known as resin 3D printing, has become immensely popular for its ability to make high-precision, watertight and precise prototypes, parts, and components out of a wide variety of advanced materials with smooth surfaces. For example, SLA 3D printing is used by companies like Gillette to develop consumer products such as 3D printed razor handles as part of their Razor Maker platform. Rubanmaster, innovators in 3D printing, have introduced an all-in-one device that combines the versatility of laser engraving and cutting with the high quality available from SLA 3D printing. Anyone can capture their creativity with the printer's innovative features. Stereolithography market growth is strongly influenced by such industry developments.



The three-dimensional printing process of stereolithography has seen significant changes. It has traditionally been cost-prohibitive and difficult to use resin 3D printers because they require skilled technicians and expensive maintenance contracts. Today's small-format desktop printers provide high-quality output at an unprecedented price point, making them more affordable than ever. Manufacturers are aggressively seeking out new products. Such as, in September 2021, SoonSolid Tech, a well-known company in 3D printing Stereolithography, announced the launch of the Mars Pro, an industrial-grade SLA 3D printer made by the German company Forward AM, which will provide better 3D printing solutions to global customers.

Growth Factors:

Multiple applications in various industries

The original purpose of SLA printing was for engineers to produce high-quality plastic prototypes promptly. This is still one of its primary uses today. In addition, this 3D printing technique is also gaining popularity in medicine. It is often used to create anatomically correct body diagrams for educational purposes. In addition to manufacturing plastic components, SLA printing is used for jewelry, dental tools, auto parts, and prosthetics. Fine features, smooth surface finishing, ultimate precision, and accuracy, as well as mechanical characteristics such as isotropy, water tightness, and material versatility, are just some of the reasons why SLA 3D printing has gained much popularity. The ability of SLA 3D printing to repeatedly create accurate parts is critical to industries ranging from manufacturing to dental. In July 2020, Formlabs, the leading 3D printer manufacturer, announced the launch of six new SLA 3D printing materials. 3D printing resins for 3D printing support a variety of industries and uses in these industries. Products mainly focus on the Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing, and Healthcare & Dental segments. Copper3D, dedicated to bringing antimicrobial materials to 3D printing, launched Glaciarys AR3, a new, biocompatible SLA resin used in surgical and dental applications, in June 2021. The Indomake INSL 3D printer series was launched by STPL3D, a Surat-based company that specializes in rapid prototyping & additive manufacturing. With these new industrial-level 3D printers, Indian manufacturing has advanced significantly. UnionTech, a global leader in 3D printing Stereolithography, has launched the world's first ultra-large format stereolithography 3D printer at Formnext Connect 2020, an internet expo for the most innovative products from all over the world's acclaimed makers. As a result of these significant developments, these leading companies have helped drive the growth of the stereolithography 3D printing market.

Restraint:

Complex process and high cost

Several factors can hinder the growth of the market. For one, models made of resin are susceptible to damage from sun exposure. The printing process is complicated. Using a 3D printer requires technical expertise. The resin used to print high-quality prints with SLA printers is highly toxic and should not be handled by inexperienced users. In general, resins are quite fragile, making them unsuitable for testing mechanical integrity or functional prototypes. There are only limited color choices and material options with SLA, generally offered in black, white, grey, and clear. The resins used in printers from various brands are often proprietary, so they can't be interchanged easily.

COVID-19 Impact on Stereolithography (SLA) Technology 3D Printing Market:

As a result of the COVID19 outbreak, the government implemented stringent regulation policies, which jolted many industries and businesses and also impacted the SLA 3D printing market due to lower end-user demands in consumer products, dental implants, automotive, and other industries. All these industries impacted SLA 3D Printing because they are the major contributors to the market. According to OICA, data collected shows a 16% decrease in 2020 production, less than 78 million vehicles. Following a dismal 2019, which saw a nearly 5% drop in global auto production and marked the end of a decade of growth, the global auto industry faced a major, unprecedented challenge in 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic. 2020 saw the closure of a significant portion of the auto industry and its numerous key suppliers.

Segmentation

By Price

• Under US$1000
• Between US$1000 and US$2500
• Above US$2500

By Volume

• Under 200 cm3
• Between 200cm3 to 800 cm3
• Above 800cm3

By Application

• Industrial
• Residential

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Others