Lead time
From 48 hours
3D-Druck
Flüssigkristallanzeige (LCD)
UV-masked LCD resin printing for fine detail at a competitive cost.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) printing — also called MSLA — cures a full layer of photopolymer at once. A UV LED array shines through an LCD mask that opens only the pixels in that slice. LCD delivers SLA-like surface quality with faster layer times than a scanning laser, and is often more economical than projector-based DLP for small to mid-size resin parts.
What is LCD resin printing?
LCD — also called MSLA — shines a UV LED array through a pixel mask so each resin layer cures in one flash. You get SLA-like surfaces with faster layers than a scanning laser, usually at a keener small-batch price than projector DLP.
AIHFABS uses LCD for jewelry masters, figurines, small covers, and visual lots. Large cosmetic flats can pick up a faint pixel grid; we orient those faces when appearance is critical.
LCD capabilities
Pixel pitch sets the XY detail. Listed envelopes are typical production plates, not a hard stop.
Typical tolerance
±0.2 mm on supported geometry
Max build envelope
Typical production LCD plates up to about 300 × 168 × 300 mm (larger on request)
Surface finish
Smooth as-built; light pixel texture possible on large flats
Supports
Required on overhangs
LCD materials
The same photopolymer families as SLA and DLP: modeling, tough, flexible, castable, high-temp, and qualified bio 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.
LCD surface finishes
Smooth as-built, with optional sanding on large flats that show the mask grid.
Washed & post-cured
Standard LCD deliverable. Light pixel texture may remain on large flats.
Sand & coat
Flats sanded and clear-coated when a show-model skin is required.
Tint
Dye or tint for presentation colors after the UV post-cure.
How LCD compares on AIHFABS
LCD is the masked-LED resin option. Pick SLA for very large tanks, DLP for projector cells, SLS for nylon.
| 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 LCD jobs
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1
Step 1
Each slice is shown as a pixel mask on the LCD; UV LEDs expose the entire layer together.
-
2
Step 2
The build plate lifts, fresh resin fills the gap, and the next mask is displayed.
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3
Step 3
Supports hold islands and overhangs until the green part is washed and UV post-cured.
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4
Step 4
Optional sanding, tinting, or clear coating matches the visual specification.
Exposure time is set to the resin and the smallest feature on the plate. Mixed-height nests are split if they would under- or over-cure.
Wash, post-cure, and support removal match the vat-photopolymer SOP. Drain holes are required on sealed hollows.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages
- High XY resolution from the LCD pixel pitch — sharp edges on jewelry, text, and miniatures
- Full-layer exposure is faster than point-by-point laser SLA on dense plates
- Lower machine cost than DLP, which keeps small-batch resin quotes competitive
- Same photopolymer families as SLA/DLP: tough, flexible, castable, and high-temp grades
Trade-offs
- Large flat show faces can reveal the LCD pixel grid.
- Supports and resin brittleness are the same class of limits as SLA.
- Very large single parts may still need an industrial SLA tank.
Design guidelines for LCD
Respect pixel size, then give uncured resin a way out.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Thin walls | Stay above the resin minimum or the wall will not fully cure. |
| Cosmetic flats | Tilt large A-sides off the pixel grid when appearance is critical. |
| Hollows | Add drain holes before post-cure or trapped resin will leak later. |
| Text | Keep engraved or raised text larger than a few pixels wide. |
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
Digitales Lichtverfahren (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) solidifies an entire layer of photopolymer at once using a projected image.
ProzessdetailsLCD FAQ
Is LCD the same as MSLA?
Yes — masked stereolithography. An LCD panel gates UV LEDs so each layer flashes at once.
How does cost compare with DLP?
LCD cells are usually more economical for small-to-mid resin lots. DLP may still win on certain projector envelopes.
What envelope should I plan?
Typical production plates are about 300 × 168 × 300 mm. Larger work is reviewed on request.
Will I see pixels on the part?
Sometimes on large flats. We can re-orient or sand those faces when you mark them as cosmetic.
Typical lead time?
From 48 hours for standard LCD resin jobs.
Related guides
DLP vs SLA vs LCD for Small-Batch High-Detail Parts: A Fit-Based Selection Guide
Compare DLP, SLA, and LCD for small-batch, high-detail parts. Review accuracy, surface finish, resin options, total cost, and lead time to choose the right process.
Prozessdetails
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
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.
ProzessdetailsLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) — 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.
Detail and exposure review
LCD resin printing uses a masked exposure. Fine features depend on resin, exposure behavior and orientation as well as the screen. Specify the required result on critical holes and thin details rather than assuming that screen resolution defines their finished accuracy.
Cleaning and finish planning
Arrange supports away from presentation faces when possible. Add accessible drainage for hollow parts and identify surfaces that must be painted or polished. Curing and cleanup are part of the dimensional review, especially on thin panels.
Acceptance checklist
Confirm resin, color, cosmetic side and post-curing condition. Use a representative sample for delicate detail, optical appearance or repeated parts that must assemble consistently.
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