Fast
Achieve print speeds of up to 25 mm per hour with no compromise on accuracy
Certified and compliant
ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D
Overview
Known for its speed, accuracy and smooth surface finish, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that uses projected light to cure liquid resin into solid parts. Integrated into AMufacture’s digital workflow, it becomes a powerful, on-demand capability for rapid prototyping, low-volume production and detailed components.
Key properties
Accurate
Create production-grade parts with fine feature details and exceptional surface quality
Efficient
DLP maintains consistently fast build times, even with complex components
Collaborative
Harness our digital ecosystem for seamless collaboration, reordering and part traceability
What is digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing?
Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a form of additive manufacturing that uses a digital light projector to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. Unlike point-based systems, DLP exposes an entire layer using a projected image, rather than tracing geometry with a laser.
Printing an entire layer at once is what defines DLP technology. Each resin layer is cured simultaneously using a digital micromirror device (DMD), which controls how light is projected onto the resin surface. The result is a significantly faster printing speed compared to technologies that rely on a moving light source.
In manufacturing, this matters for throughput. Build times are less dependent on part complexity and more dependent on part height. This makes DLP a great choice for batch production, where multiple components can be nested and produced in just a few hours without too much impact on cycle times.
Why manufacturers choose DLP printing for functional parts
As one of the earliest types of additive manufacturing, digital light processing is mature, trusted and highly developed. In its modern form, it is near-unrivalled for speed and accuracy, supporting rapid innovation and the efficient manufacture of production-grade or custom-fit components.
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Exceptional speed
Because entire layers are cured simultaneously, DLP can achieve extremely fast build times, as fast as 25 mm per hour. That makes it ideal for time-critical applications, such as dental workflows and medical devices.
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Excellent cosmetic quality
DLP printing is known for its smooth surface finish and fine feature details, achieving print resolutions as small as 50 microns. Depending on material needs, it is often the optimal solution for visual prototypes, patient-facing components and consumer goods.
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Efficient batch production
Efficiency is a key strength of DLP. Complex parts can be combined into one build with minimal impact on throughput or lead time, making it a cost-effective and reliable option for low-volume batch production.
Your integrated DLP 3D
printing service partner
With AMufacture, DLP 3D printing is one function of a collaborative digital manufacturing ecosystem. We become your integrated manufacturing partner, delivering end-to-end support to ensure manufacturability, accelerate innovation and bolster operational resilience.
True collaborators
We are not just partners. We are collaborators. Our clients harness additive manufacturing expertise throughout the production cycle, from design optimisation to material selection and repeat ordering.
Best-in-class technology
We invest in your innovation. Our in-house production capabilities are unrivalled in the UK, offering 24/7 manufacturing capacity supported by a fleet of cutting-edge 3D printing and post-processing technologies.
Digitally transformative
Our digital infrastructure enables agile collaboration, full part traceability and seamless reordering through your secure Digital Warehouse. For you, that translates to rapid iteration and scalable on-demand manufacturing workflows.
Post-processing capabilities
Partners from the first enquiry to the perfect finish
AMufacture’s DLP printing capabilities are backed by a wide range of in-house post-processing and finishing services. With our experts handling the entire process, DLP becomes a turnkey solution for rapid production, taking you from CAD file to finished component in a matter of hours or days.
As standard, DLP printed parts undergo several post-processing steps. These steps are essential to achieving production-ready parts with consistent performance:
- Cleaning: excess liquid resin is removed, typically using solvent washing.
- Curing: additional UV light is applied to fully cure the material and achieve the final mechanical properties.
- Support removal: temporary support structures are removed.
Finishing options can range from as-printed surfaces to polished, coated or painted components. These choices directly affect lead time and cost.
Parts are delivered inspection-ready or assembly-ready, depending on requirements. Secondary operations such as bonding, inserts or machining can also be integrated.
Cross-industry expertise
DLP 3D printing is ideal for producing high-performance parts in industries where speed, detail and repeatability are critical. As an AMufacture partner, you unlock cross-industry expertise to ensure a smooth and cost-efficient process from end-to-end.
DLP printing knowledge bank
How does DLP 3D printing work?
The DLP 3D printing process is highly structured and repeatable:
- Resin preparation: liquid resin is held in a resin tank. This photopolymer material is sensitive to UV light.
- Layer projection: a digital light projector flashes an image of the layer cross-section onto the resin surface.
- Curing process: the DLP projector exposes the print area and cures resin instantly, forming a solid resin layer. The platform then moves to allow the next thin layer of liquid resin to flow into place.
- Layer-by-layer build: this process repeats, building the part, layer by layer, until complete.
DLP printing capabilities and technical specifications
DLP is a precision-led manufacturing process. However, like all additive manufacturing technologies, it operates within defined constraints.
Build envelope and geometry
- Typical build volumes are smaller than powder-based systems, making DLP best suited to small-to-medium components
- Complex geometries are achievable, but support structures are required for overhangs and internal features
Layer thickness and accuracy
- Layer thickness: typically 25 to 100 microns
- High accuracy: often within ±0.1 to 0.2 mm depending on geometry
- Resolution: defined by projector pixel size rather than laser spot size
- This results in excellent surface finish and fine feature reproduction
Lead times and turnaround
DLP printers offer fast turnaround, delivering parts in just a few hours to a few days. However, lead time is influenced by many factors such as those below.
- Part height (number of layers)
- Quantity and nesting strategy
- Support requirements
- Post-processing complexity
- Parts requiring extensive finishing or tight tolerances will naturally take longer
DLP 3D printing materials (resins)
and typical properties
DLP uses liquid photopolymer resins, each engineered for specific performance characteristics.
- Rigid resins (ABS-like): designed to simulate thermoplastics, these materials offer good strength and stiffness. Suitable for housings, enclosures and functional prototypes.
- Flexible and elastomeric resins: provide rubber-like behaviour for seals, gaskets and ergonomic components. These materials allow deformation without permanent damage.
- High-temperature resins: engineered for thermal stability, these materials can withstand elevated temperatures, making them suitable for tooling, moulds and under-hood applications.
- Biocompatible and medical-adjacent resins: used for applications such as surgical guides, dental components and anatomical models. Material selection is critical to meet regulatory and performance requirements.
Material choice directly impacts mechanical performance, surface finish, and post-processing requirements. For most applications, selecting the right resin is as important as the design itself. This is typically addressed during consultation.
DLP vs SLA printing
DLP and SLA (stereolithography) are closely related, but differ in how they deliver light.
- Choose DLP printing if: you need faster batch production, consistent layer exposure and efficient throughput for multiple parts.
- Choose SLA printing if: you require highly consistent XY resolution across larger build areas or smoother organic curves.
DLP uses a digital projector to cure entire layers, with the light produced by a more conventional source (such as an arc lamp). SLA, by contrast, uses a laser to trace each layer point by point.
This makes DLP more efficient for batch production, with DLP printers achieving print speeds of up to 25 mm/hour, significantly faster than other methods. However, SLA can offer advantages for certain geometries.
In practice, the right choice depends on part size, geometry and production requirements. All these factors will be assessed during project scoping.
Design guidelines
(DfAM) for DLP parts
Designing for DLP reduces production risk and improves lead times.
Recommended starting points
- Minimum wall thickness: ~0.5 to 1.0 mm
- Minimum feature size: ~0.2 to 0.5 mm
- Text embossing/debossing: ≥0.3 mm depth/height
- Clearances: ~0.2 to 0.4 mm for moving parts
Key considerations
- Supports and orientation impact surface quality and post-processing effort
- Venting is required for hollow parts to avoid trapped resin
- Thin features may deform during curing if unsupported
When you partner with AMufacture, we can help with design optimisation, ensuring all parts are manufacturable before production begins.
FAQs
Are DLP printer materials certified for industry applications?
Yes. DLP’s printing process, dimensional accuracy and high-performance materials are often chosen specifically for particular resin properties. For example, medical-grade materials used in DLP printing are certified according to relevant regulatory requirements and standards.
What’s the difference between DLP and LCD printing?
While both use a projected light source to cure liquid resin, DLP printing has a faster printing speed, superior surface finish and higher accuracy. DLP is more mature than LCD technology and is based on components that are generally more reliable and long-lasting.
Moreover, DLP printers can manage a wider variety of materials compared to LCD printers, which are often limited in material compatibility. However, DLP technology can be more expensive than LCD 3D printers for similar performance.
What level of detail do DLP printers work to?
DLP chips achieve higher contrast ratios than standard LCDs, resulting in improved image quality. DLP technology is known for its high precision and fine detail, achieving print resolutions as small as 50 microns.
Explore more services
With AMufacture’s best-in-class 3D printing fleet, you unlock more ways to deliver on production goals and bolster supply chain resilience.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
A powder-based process that uses fusing agents and thermal energy to produce strong, consistent parts with exceptional speed and batch-production efficiency.
Best for: end-use parts, scalable production, rapid iteration
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
A powder-based process that uses a laser to fuse nylon materials into strong, functional parts without support structures.
Best for: large components, lighter colours, small production runs
Stereolithography (SLA)
A laser-based process that produces parts with exceptional surface quality and high accuracy.
Best for: accuracy, smooth finishes, visual prototypes
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
A material extrusion process that uses durable thermoplastics to build parts layer by layer.
Best for: large components, durability, tooling
Have a project in
mind?
If you have any questions about our services or would like to discuss your project with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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