Lead time
From 48 hours
3D-Druck
Digitales Lichtverfahren (DLP)
Projector-cured resin for crisp details and efficient small-part runs.
Digital Light Processing (DLP) solidifies an entire layer of photopolymer at once using a projected image. Compared with point-by-point laser curing, DLP often delivers faster layer times on compact parts while maintaining high XY resolution.
What is DLP printing?
Digital Light Processing cures a whole resin layer in one projected image instead of tracing it with a laser. Compact, detailed parts and small batches therefore leave the vat faster than a point-by-point SLA scan on the same plate.
AIHFABS quotes DLP for jewelry-scale detail, small housings, and repeat visual lots. If you need a very large resin platform, SLA may still be the better envelope.
DLP capabilities
XY sharpness is high; the live envelope depends on the projector cell assigned to the job.
Typical tolerance
±0.2 mm on supported geometry
Max build envelope
Varies by machine; typical desktop-to-mid format plates
Surface finish
Smooth as-built; vapor polish or coating available
Supports
Required on overhangs
DLP materials
High-resolution modeling resins plus tough, flexible, and qualified biocompatible grades.
Standard Resin White
- Features
- Opaque white appearance and a matte surface.
- Typical uses
- Visual models, presentation parts, and paint masters.
- Finish / selection
- Sand and prime before painting; choose a tough grade for impact loads.
Standard Resin Black
- Features
- Opaque black appearance for cosmetic prototypes.
- Typical uses
- Covers, display models, and product photography.
- Finish / selection
- Use as printed or finish cosmetically; avoid impact-loaded clips.
High-Detail Resin Gray
- Features
- Gray surface makes fine features and surface defects easier to review.
- Typical uses
- Miniatures, fine lettering, and detailed design reviews.
- Finish / selection
- Keep supports away from visible faces; handle thin features carefully.
High-Detail Resin White
- Features
- Fine feature reproduction with an opaque white appearance.
- Typical uses
- Small display models, fine lettering, and miniature components.
- Finish / selection
- Remove supports carefully; prime and paint for presentation.
Tough Resin White
- Features
- Tough-resin option for handled and assembled prototypes.
- Typical uses
- Fit checks, prototype housings, and light-duty fixtures.
- Finish / selection
- Paintable white surface; confirm the grade for repeated flexing.
Ultra Tough Resin Yellow
- Features
- Tough-resin option for clips and parts subject to handling.
- Typical uses
- Guards, flexible prototype features, and assembly mockups.
- Finish / selection
- Confirm stiffness and post-cure requirements for the intended load.
Ultra Tough Resin Blue
- Features
- Blue tough-resin option for functional prototype evaluation.
- Typical uses
- Handled prototypes, assembly trials, and protective covers.
- Finish / selection
- Confirm stiffness and finish requirements before production.
High-Temp Resistant Resin Red
- Features
- High-temperature resin option requiring the specified post-cure.
- Typical uses
- Heat-exposed test fixtures, mold masters, and thermal mockups.
- Finish / selection
- Confirm the exact grade, service temperature, and cure schedule.
Premium Clear Resin
- Features
- Transparent appearance; clarity depends on surface finishing.
- Typical uses
- See-through housings, fluid windows, and visual flow models.
- Finish / selection
- Specify sanding, polishing, or clear coating for visible surfaces.
DLP surface finishes
As-cured skins are already smooth. Tinting and light sanding are the usual extras.
Washed & post-cured
Default deliverable after IPA wash and UV. Support scars dressed on request.
Tint or sand
Light sanding on flats and optional tint for presentation models.
Clear coat
Coat on transparent or high-gloss show parts after the post-cure.
How DLP compares on AIHFABS
DLP and LCD both flash a full layer. DLP uses a projector; LCD uses a masked LED array.
| Verfahren | Lieferzeit | Toleranz | Preis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selektives Laserschmelzen (SLM)Metal | From 5 business days (express options where available) | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater), tighter after machining | Instant quote · typical metal part from $90 |
| Stereolithographie (SLA)Resin | Quoted with your CAD upload | Instant quote · typical resin part from $18 | |
| Digitales Lichtverfahren (DLP)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin batch from $20 |
| Flüssigkristallanzeige (LCD)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin part from $16 |
| Selektives Lasersintern (SLS)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; 72 hours / 5 days standard tiers | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical nylon part from $28 |
| Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; standard 72 hours / 5 days | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical PA12 part from $25 |
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)Thermoplastic filament | From 24–48 hours depending on size | ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry | Instant quote · typical prototype from $12 |
How we run DLP jobs
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1
Step 1
Each slice is projected onto the resin vat, curing a full layer simultaneously.
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2
Step 2
The build plate rises and fresh resin flows beneath for the next exposure.
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3
Step 3
Supports anchor delicate features until the green part is washed and UV post-cured.
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4
Step 4
Optional tinting, sanding, or clear coating completes the visual specification.
Parts are nested for a single exposure time that still holds the smallest feature. Over-packing a plate can soften edges.
Wash, post-cure, and support removal follow the same resin SOP as SLA. Biocompatible grades need a qualified resin note on the PO.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages
- Fast turnaround on detailed components and small production batches
- Uniform layer exposure helps consistency across many parts on one plate
- Smooth surfaces ideal for lenses, light pipes, and miniatures
- Material options tuned for durability, flexibility, or castability
Trade-offs
- Build area is usually smaller than industrial SLA tanks.
- Supports are still required on overhangs.
- Resin toughness is still below nylon powder parts.
Design guidelines for DLP
Think in pixels and minimum cure thickness, then nest the lot.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Min feature | Stay above the resin’s published minimum; knife edges often fail to cure. |
| Nesting | Small batches share a plate — keep a common Z height when you can. |
| Environment | Tell us about UV, chemicals, or skin contact so we pick a durable grade. |
| Supports | Overhangs need anchors; mark faces that cannot show witness marks. |
Other 3D printing processes
Selektives Laserschmelzen (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a powder-bed metal additive process. A high-power laser scans each cross-section of your CAD model, melting metal powder that solidifies into a dense part.
Prozessdetails
Stereolithographie (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid photopolymer with a precision UV laser, building parts layer by layer.
Prozessdetails
Flüssigkristallanzeige (LCD)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) printing — also called MSLA — cures a full layer of photopolymer at once.
ProzessdetailsDLP FAQ
How is DLP different from SLA?
SLA draws with a laser. DLP projects a full layer, which is usually faster on dense small-part plates.
Is DLP good for jewelry?
Yes — high XY resolution and castable resins are a common DLP route.
What tolerance should I plan?
About ±0.2 mm on supported geometry, similar to other vat-photopolymer processes.
Can you run biocompatible resin?
On project qualification only. Name the standard and the contact type on the quote.
Typical lead time?
Many DLP lots leave from 48 hours after orientation is approved.
Related guides
How to Choose a DLP Resin 3D Printing Supplier for Small-Batch, High-Detail Parts
This supplier selection guide compares 5 verification areas and 8 procurement checks for ±0.2 mm DLP resin parts with 48-hour lead-time claims.
Prozessdetails
Smooth-Small Resin Prototypes From Dlp Whole Layer Projection
Learn how DLP whole-layer projection creates detailed small resin prototypes, with insights into surface finish, exposure uniformity, and material limits.
Prozessdetails
DLP vs. SLA 3D Printing for Small Prototypes | AIHFabs
Compare DLP and SLA resin 3D printing for small, detailed prototypes. See how exposure methods, batch layouts, and finishing affect process selection.
Prozessdetails
0.2 mm DLP Resin Printing for Small Electronic Housings and Snap-Fits
Guide to DLP resin printing precision for compact electronic enclosures and snap-fit prototypes. Learn ±0.2 mm tolerance, material selection, support strategy, and assembly validat
Prozessdetails
SLA vs. DLP: Which Resin-Based Technology Works for You?
This in-depth technical comparison examines the two dominant resin-based 3D printing technologies — Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) — to help industry pr
Prozessdetails
SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
ProzessdetailsDigital Light Processing (DLP) — engineering review before production
Use these process-specific checks when preparing your model, drawing and quote request. The confirmed quotation and approved drawing define the requirements for your part.
Choosing DLP or SLA for a small-part program
DLP exposes a resin layer using a projected image, while SLA traces the layer with a laser. Compact, detailed parts and repeated visual lots are useful DLP candidates. For larger models, review the available build envelope rather than assuming the same machine or resin suits both routes. Compare the smallest required feature, part size, resin properties and support-facing surfaces before selecting the process.
Application-to-validation plan
For miniature housings, identify the walls, holes and mounting interfaces that determine fit. For fine presentation models or master patterns, define the cosmetic face and the detail that must survive cleaning and finishing. Approve a representative sample for the intended visual or assembly requirement before releasing a repeated lot.
Projected detail versus usable features
Pixel size is not a whole-part tolerance. Small text, slots and pins also depend on exposure, resin, orientation and post-curing. Identify the smallest functional feature and distinguish readable decoration from a dimension that must mate with another part.
Batch arrangement and supports
Small repeated parts can benefit from a planned build layout, but supported faces still need cleanup. Mark the cosmetic side, provide drainage for hollow features and discuss how fragile details will be handled after support removal.
Acceptance checklist
Confirm resin grade, quantity, surface requirements and the finished dimensions of small mating features. Validate a sample before releasing a repeat batch with fine clips, thin walls or miniature lettering.
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