Polymer additive manufacturing in stereolithography (SLA) and masked stereolithography (mSLA) methods: a review of advantages, limitations, and current applications

Stereolithography (SLA) and Masked Stereolithography (mSLA) are widely used polymer additive manufacturing methods that offer high resolution and excellent surface quality. SLA utilizes a UV laser to cure photopolymer resin point by point, while mSLA accelerates production by curing entire layers simultaneously using LED light and digital masking. This review analyzes the advantages and limitations of SLA and mSLA based on recent literature. It highlights their applications in medical, dental, and industrial prototyping, particularly where precision and material performance are critical. The development of biocompatible, flexible, and energy-efficient photopolymer resins has further enhanced their suitability in biomedical fields. Additionally, the integration of these methods into smart manufacturing systems supports their role in sustainable production. The article emphasizes current usage trends, future potential, and RD needs to improve SLA and mSLA technologies further.