LCD and DLP 3D printing technologies

Discover the LCD and DLP 3D printing technologies, two resin-based technologies and how you can use them to produce your 3D printed objects

What are LCD and DLP 3D printing technologies?

Resin 3D printing, known as vat polymerization, is represented by three technologies: SLA (Stereolithography), DLP (Digital Light Processing), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). On this page, we will focus on DLP and LCD technologies, find more information about SLA on its dedicated page. Both of these resin 3D printing processes use a light source to cure the resin.

LCD vs DLP technology: What are the differences between these resin 3D printing technologies? The liquid resin is contained within a vat, or tank, cured against a build platform, which slowly rises out of the tank as the part is formed, layer by layer. These two 3D printing technologies are quite similar, but here is the main difference: the light source.

LCD printing: A UV light coming from an array of LEDs shining through an LCD flashes complete layers at the resin tank. A screen is used to mask the entire image, only revealing the current layer for curing. LCD 3D printing is a cost-effective resin manufacturing technique to get big and detailed functional parts. This 3D printing technology focuses on mass manufacture and large component 3D printing for resin materials thanks to 3D printers with larger build tray developed by Photocentric for example.

DLP printing: The digital light projector is the light source of DLP 3D printers. The DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) is a component made of thousands of micromirrors that are contained within a semiconductor chip matrix. These micromirrors are used for navigating the light beam projected by the digital light projector.

Why choose LCD or DLP technologies?

These resin technologies are suited to large-scale objects and mass-production. Discover the key advantages of using these resins techniques.

Production

The advanced-resins printed with these technologies can meet the requirements of the most demanding industries, and present adapted options for the creation of functional parts.

Detailed parts

Resin 3D printing is offering the possibility to create highly detailed prototypes and end-use parts. Get an impressive level of details for small and large-scale 3D printed objects.

Design freedom

Using design-driven manufacturing allows you to produce complex geometries at any scale of production.

On-demand LCD and DLP 3D printing

Sculpteo provides you with the best online 3D Printing Services for your resin parts. Thanks to our expertise in LCD and DLP technologies, you can choose between several options, instantly receive a quote, and let us handle the manufacturing in our ISO 9001 certified factory.

Start using resin 3D printing today by uploading a 3D file.

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Which applications are best suited to LCD and DLP 3D Printing?

The variety of materials offered by LCD and DLP technologies makes them useful for many demanding applications. With this line of resins, you can choose between flexible, tough, or rigid resins. There is also a possibility to print translucent materials, specifically with DLP printing. 

Are you looking for a 3D printing material with excellent thermal resistance, superior toughness, or a soft finish? These resin materials will be perfect for engineering and mechanical projects, automotive parts, or consumer goods, from prototyping to production. Some of these resins will allow the creation of large-scale objects. They are ideally suited for mass production thanks to the size of the build tray of their machines.

Similar to SLA, DLP is commonly used to generate highly detailed artwork, non-functional prototypes, and accurate finished parts.

DLP and LCD technologies materials

Discover the material range for LCD and DLP technologies!