Carbon DLS

Carbon DLS (digital light synthesis) is an industrial 3D printing process that creates functional, end-use parts with mechanically isotropic properties and smooth surface finishes. You can choose from both rigid and flexible polyurethane materials to meet your application needs for high impact-resistance components.

How Does Carbon DLS Work?

Carbon DLS uses CLIP (continuous liquid interface production) technology to produce parts through a photochemical process that balances light and oxygen. It works by projecting light through an oxygen-permeable window into a reservoir of UV-curable resin. As a sequence of UV images are projected, the part solidifies, and the build platform rises.

At the core of the CLIP process is a thin, liquid interface of uncured resin between the window and the printing part. Light passes through that area, curing the resin above it to form a solid part. Resin flows beneath the curing part as the print progresses, maintaining the continuous liquid interface that powers CLIP. Following the build, the 3D-printed part is baked in a forced-circulation oven where heat sets off a secondary chemical reaction that causes the materials to adapt and strengthen.

service icon logo
  • 1 to 50+ parts
  • Shipped in as fast as 3 days
Common Applications
  • complex designs that are challenging to mold
  • need for isotropic mechanical properties and smooth surface finishes
  • production parts in materials comparable to ABS and polycarbonate
  • durable components for end-use applications


Watch: Building a Part with Carbon DLS

See how Carbon DLS quickly 3D prints a flexible polyurethane part for end-use production.

Material Options with Carbon DLS

Engineering-grade Carbon DLS materials include both rigid polyurethane (RPU) and flexible polyurethane (FPU) materials for parts comparable to molded ABS and polycarbonate.

Design Guidelines

Our basic guidelines for Carbon DLS include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.


a metal 3D printing technician removes support structures from a DMLS part

Instant quotes on 3D-printed parts