Why SLA ("Resin") 3D Printing Matters for Architectural Models

When I first experimented with SLA resin printing in the shop, it was eye-opening. Coming from architecture, I was used to the trade-offs of model building: you could cut chipboard or 3D print FDM volumes quickly, but the moment you needed intricate details — window mullions, fine façade patterns, delicate trusses — the limitations showed. SLA changed that. Suddenly, we could reproduce details at the thickness of a pencil lead, with surfaces smooth enough to present directly in studio critiques.

Why SLA Matters in Architecture

Resin printing is known for its precision and finish. SLA machines work layer by layer with a laser, curing liquid resin into solid form. The result is models with sharp edges, tight tolerances, and a smooth surface quality that doesn’t require heavy sanding.

For architectural education, that means students can produce façade panels, delicate structural systems, or context models that hold up in critiques and exhibitions. For professional practice, SLA allows design teams to present highly detailed studies to clients, making ideas more tangible and easier to communicate.

Key advantages include:

• High resolution – Captures tiny details FDM can’t.

• Smooth surface finish – Ideal for painting or display.

• Dimensional accuracy – Ensures scale fidelity in models.

• Complex geometries – Supports forms that are difficult or impossible to mill or cut by hand.

  
  

A Project Example

A student needed a façade study for their thesis, with repeating window grids at 1:200 scale. Cutting them by hand would have been slow, and FDM printing couldn’t capture the sharpness required. We used SLA resin printing, adjusting the model for printability and choosing a neutral gray resin for clarity.

Within a few days, the student had façade panels with crisp mullions and smooth surfaces that fit neatly onto a CNC-cut base. In critique, the precision made all the difference — the details supported the design instead of distracting from it.

The Human Side of SLA

Of course, resin printing has its challenges: supports can leave small marks, and thin parts can be brittle. That’s where preparation matters. By adjusting wall thickness, orientation, and support strategy, we help ensure parts are presentation-ready while minimizing cleanup.

For us, SLA isn’t just about showing off what the machine can do — it’s about choosing the right tool for the right moment, and helping students or designers get the clarity they need in their models.

Looking Ahead

With new resins emerging — from bio-based to engineering-grade — SLA is moving beyond visual models into functional applications. But in our shop, its greatest value remains clear: providing the fine detail and precision that elevate architectural models from sketches to convincing, physical artifacts.

At BDR DSG LAB, we think of SLA as the fine brush in our fabrication toolkit. Not always the fastest, not always the cheapest — but unmatched when detail matters most.

👉 If your design demands fine detail — whether for a façade study, teaching aid, or competition model — SLA printing can bring it to life with clarity and precision.