Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for Industry 4.0. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we want to share our insights with you. This time, we are taking a look at 4 promising stereolithography (SLA) startups.
Heat Map: 4 Top Stereolithography Startups
For our 4 top picks, we used a data-driven startup scouting approach to identify the most relevant solutions globally. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 4 interesting examples out of 236 relevant solutions. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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Peopoly – Mask Stereolithography
Stereolithography uses light sources for 3D printing. Its different subcategories include laser-based SLA, digital light processing SLA, and masked SLA (MSLA). MSLA uses a combination of light-emitting diode (LED) light source array and liquid crystal display (LCD) photomask which enhances the speed of printing, output detail and resolution.
Hong Kong-based startup Peopoly develops Phenom, an additive manufacturing solution based on MSLA technology. Phenom’s custom light engine provides more light distribution as compared to other MSLA printers. The use of large-sized build plates allows it to print multiple models simultaneously.
Nexa3D – Rapid Stereolithography
SLA has higher precision, finer detail, and smoother finish compared to other additive manufacturing techniques. However, production speed is a very crucial aspect of the highly dynamic Industry 4.0. SLA companies are pushing innovations to increase the throughput of the process.
US-based Nexa3D develops a 3D printer based on its proprietary Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc) technology. It uses a patented structured light matrix as the light source and is faster than traditional SLA, without compromising accuracy and resolution. It is capable of reaching speeds of 1Z centimeter per minute, according to the startup.
MAT3D – Innovative Resins For Stereolithography
The applications of SLA in Industry 4.0 are still far below its potential. One major reason is the lack of materials that meet industry standards and are compatible with stereolithography. There is a need for advanced materials that fill this gap.
Italian startup MAT3D designs and manufactures new advanced materials for SLA and digital light printing. The company develops composite polymeric materials with improved thermo-mechanical and functional properties to expand the applicability of stereolithography in Industry 4.0.
Cubicure – Hot Lithography
Companies are developing advanced photopolymers to increase the adoption of SLA. This calls for changes in the SLA process to accommodate this new variety of materials. The innovations in the process and the advanced materials expand the use of SLA from rapid prototyping to full-scale manufacturing.
Austrian startup Cubicure develops an SLA technique called Hot Lithography. It can process resins and pastes of the highest viscosity at operating temperatures up to 120°C. It enables additive processing of technically relevant plastics that cannot stand the regular SLA process.
What About The Other 232 Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence for your Proof of Concept (PoC), partnership, or investment targets. The 4 stereolithography startups showcased above are promising examples out of 236 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria and collaboration strategy, get in touch.
