Is there a finite layer hight for SLA technology?

[zegreeta]

Does anyone know if there is a finite layer height when using SLA printing? Does the layer high depend solely on the resolution of the projector used to cure the resin, or are there other factors? Lasers are extremely precise, so I would imagine a really high quality laser could almost make layer heights invisible.

[Compro01]

No, layer height depends on how finely you can adjust the Z axis. Projector or laser determines your X/Y resolution.

For example, the Peachy uses water droplets to adjust the Z axis, and yes, the layers are basically invisible if you run it slowly.

[Feign]

The Peachy is an odd case, being an all-analog machine, even if the "resolution" is low, it remains smooth due to the analog signal moving the laser. SLA printers do have a minimum layer thickness based on the permissivity of the resin being used. Rylan showed that the 'Wiggle" resin his team has in beta accidentally allows the laser to penetrate too deep while the resin is curing. It results in a single pass of the laser making a 'ribbon' of solid resin. While this isn't anywhere near as pronounced with more standard resins, the permissivity problem does exist, and it forces a kind of z-axis minimum wall thickness that might exceed the layer thickness.