Unit 02: Resin / SLA 3D Printing¶

Unit Metadata¶

Microcredential ID: MCCPDL-U02-SLA-v1.0
Title: Stereolithography (SLA) Resin 3D Printing
Version: 1.0
Credit Hours: 12 (3 hours per module)
Prerequisites: Unit 01 (FDM) recommended but not required
Target Audience: Design students, makers, engineers, precision manufacturing practitioners

Unit Description¶

This unit covers Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology, emphasizing chemical safety, photopolymerization physics, and post-processing protocols. Unlike FDM's thermoplastic extrusion, SLA uses UV light to cure liquid photopolymer resin into solid parts with superior surface finish and resolution. Students gain competency in printer operation, chemical handling, and waste management—with special emphasis on health and safety protocols required for working with photopolymer resins.

Standards Alignment¶

ANSI/ISO 52901:2020 - Additive Manufacturing General Principles
OSHA 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (Lab Standard)
OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication Standard (GHS—Globally Harmonized System)
ANSI Z535.4-2011 - Safety Labels and Signs
ISO 52891:2022 - Processes and Systems for Additive Manufacturing—Resource Efficiency
NIOSH - Chemical Hazard Alerts for Photopolymers and Isopropanol

Learning Outcomes¶

Knowledge¶

Understand UV photopolymerization chemistry and photoinitiation mechanisms
Identify hazards associated with uncured resin, supports, and solvents (IPA)
Explain resin types (Standard, Tough, Flexible) and their material properties
Recognize how printer hardware (light source, vat, optics) affects print quality and resolution
Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous materials

Skills¶

Perform safe resin handling, measuring, and vat setup using proper PPE
Load and position parts on build platform with appropriate supports
Configure exposure settings (power, layer exposure time) for custom resins
Execute IPA wash procedure and UV curing protocol safely
Remove supports cleanly without damaging details
Dispose of uncured resin and waste solvent per environmental regulations

Competency¶

Set up and execute a complete SLA print from design file to post-processed part
Select appropriate resin type for functional requirements (mechanical, optical, surface finish)
Manage chemical inventory and maintain compliance with lab safety standards
Troubleshoot print failures including under-cure, over-cure, and layer adhesion issues
Maintain equipment and manage preventive maintenance schedules

Unit Structure¶

Module	Title	Duration	Focus
M1	SLA Technology & Resin Chemistry	3 hours	Photopolymerization, resin types, printer components, UV optics
M2	Chemical Safety & PPE Protocols	3 hours	Resin hazards, SDS interpretation, ventilation, waste disposal
M3	Print Setup & Execution	3 hours	Orientation, supports, exposure settings, vat maintenance
M4	Post-Processing & Curing	3 hours	IPA wash, UV curing, support removal, finishing, waste management

Assessment Strategy¶

Formative¶

In-module quizzes (10-15 questions per module)
Hands-on competency checkpoints: chemical handling demonstration, SDS interpretation
Post-processing quality assessment (surface finish, support removal, dimensional accuracy)

Summative¶

Practical Print Project: Design and execute an SLA print with custom supports, demonstrating quality resin handling and post-processing
Safety Certification: Verification of proper PPE use, chemical storage, waste disposal procedures
Chemical Knowledge Test: SDS interpretation, hazard identification, emergency response procedures

Portfolio Evidence¶

Photo documentation of 3-4 successful prints with varying resin types
Lab safety checklist completion
Waste disposal logs
Post-processing documentation (wash time, cure time, support removal photos)

Instructional Resources¶

Primary Resources¶

SLA Printer: Formlabs Form 3, Anycubic Photon, or equivalent
Resin Library: Standard, Tough, Flexible, Transparent, and 2-3 specialty resins
Post-Processing Equipment: Wash station (IPA + agitation), UV curing chamber, support removal tools
Safety Equipment: Nitrile gloves (box of 100), safety glasses, apron, fume extractor or ventilation
Reference Materials: SDS sheets for all materials on site

Standards Documents¶

OSHA 1910.1450 (Lab Chemical Safety Standard)
OSHA 1910.1200 (GHS Hazard Communication)
Printer manufacturer technical documentation
Resin vendor SDS sheets

Learning Platforms¶

MkDocs curriculum (self-paced + instructor-led)
Printer manufacturer video tutorials
Safety training videos (chemical hazards, proper PPE donning/doffing)
Community forums (Formlabs, MyMiniFactory) for advanced tips

Accessibility Considerations¶

Visual Accessibility¶

High-contrast slides (4.5:1 WCAG AA minimum)
Large-format printed SDS sheets (16pt font minimum)
Detailed verbal descriptions of color changes during cure/wash
Screen reader compatible markdown

Auditory Accessibility¶

Captioned videos for all instructional content
Vibration alarm or visual notification for timer completion
Written procedural checklists (backup to verbal instruction)
Quiet workspace for students sensitive to fume extraction noise

Motor Accessibility¶

Pre-configured printer stations for students with hand mobility limitations
Video demonstration of support removal as alternative to hands-on (fine motor not required)
Adaptive tools (ergonomic tweezers, wrist supports)
Extended time allowances for detailed post-processing work

Cognitive Accessibility¶

Modular structure with 15-20 minute learning segments
Chunked content with visual organizers
Glossary of chemical terms and abbreviations
Step-by-step pictorial procedures (not text-only)

Neurodiversity Accommodations¶

ADHD: Timers, movement breaks, color-coded SDS quick-reference sheets
Autism: Precise temperature/time protocols, predictable routines, advance notice of chemical odors
Dyslexia: Graphical SDS summaries, audio descriptions, consistent visual terminology
Sensory Processing: Quiet fume extraction, odor warnings, advance notice of UV curing light intensity

Unit Learning Path¶

START → M1 Technology & Chemistry (understand photopolymerization)
        ↓
        → M2 Chemical Safety (CRITICAL—hazard awareness, proper handling)
        ↓
        → M3 Print Setup & Execution (hands-on printer operation, settings)
        ↓
        → M4 Post-Processing & Curing (synthesis—complete print cycle)
        ↓
        → Portfolio Project (design, print, post-process, document)
        ↓
        → Unit Assessment + Safety Certification
        ↓
        END (Ready for Unit 03: CO2 Laser or Unit 04: CNC)

Success Criteria¶

All 4 modules completed with 70%+ quiz scores
Successful execution of 2+ multi-hour prints with acceptable surface finish
Demonstration of proper chemical handling and PPE use
Completion of full post-processing cycle (wash, cure, support removal)
Passing score on safety certification exam
Documentation of waste disposal procedures for all chemical materials

Regulatory Compliance Notes¶

Chemical Inventory: All photopolymer resins and solvents must be inventoried and tracked
SDS Accessibility: Current SDS sheets for all materials must be accessible (physical or digital) to all lab users
Waste Disposal: Uncured resin and spent IPA must be disposed of per EPA regulations (may require hazardous waste contractor)
Ventilation: Adequate local exhaust ventilation (fume extractor) required; monitor for resin fume levels
Training Documentation: All students must complete chemical safety training with signed acknowledgment

Integration with Other Units¶

Unit 01 (FDM) vs. Unit 02 (SLA): Complementary processes with different strengths. FDM = speed + flexibility; SLA = precision + surface finish.
Unit 03 (Laser): Both SLA and laser work with materials that absorb specific wavelengths (UV vs. infrared).
Unit 04 (CNC): Can use SLA-printed prototypes as templates for CNC routing or as fixtures.

Next Steps¶

Enroll in Unit 03: CO2 Laser Cutting & Engraving
Advanced elective: Custom resin formulation, dual-wavelength UV curing, support optimization
Integration path: Multi-material fabrication (FDM + SLA + Laser for complete prototypes)

Last Updated: 2026-03-18 Maintained By: MCC Prototype Design Lab Curriculum Development Next Review: 2026-09-18 (6-month safety/standards review)