Resin material is required for DLP, LCD, and SLA printing. It forms the basis for the printed model. The following article provides a closer look at resin and what it can be used for.
What is Resin?
Resin is an extract obtained from dehydrated natural resin. Specifically, resin is synthetic resin or liquid plastic that hardens when exposed to light.
Resin materials are used for 3D printing with photopolymerization. Photopolymerization printing includes DLP, SLA, and LCD printing. To understand the differences between these three methods, please read Resin-3D Printer Technology.
Resin printers, also known as UV printers, use targeted UV light during the printing process to irradiate predetermined areas. As a result, these areas cure with high precision.
Types of Resins
There are now different types of resins on the market that are used in resin 3D printing. The most popular resins are standard resin, transparent resin, flexible resin, and tough resin.
An overview of the most common resins:
Standard Resin
Standard resins include:
- Basic Standard Resin
As the name suggests, this is the most commonly used standard resin. - Colored Resin
This is a standard resin available in various colors. If you want to print colorful, exquisite figures, this material is excellently suited. - Clear Resin
This is a transparent standard resin. Its light transmittance is better than that of other standard resins. It can also be polished to create a glass-like effect, making it ideal for crafting items such as lampshades. - Fast Resin
It is excellent for LCD printing. The exposure time is short, which can optimize the speed of LCD printing. - Water-Washable Resin
This type of 3D printing resin can be washed directly with water instead of isopropyl alcohol, making it more environmentally friendly. It is easy to handle and, due to its relatively mild odor, is particularly suitable for beginners or indoor use.
ABS-like Resin
Compared to standard resin, ABS-like resins exhibit better toughness, strength, and impact resistance. They are generally somewhat more expensive to acquire but offer higher performance.
Tough Resin
Tough resin is available in various types.
Its properties include:
- high impact and tensile strength
- flexibility
- resistance to wear and abrasion
- dimensional accuracy
They are used in resin 3D printing when these properties are required.
High-Temperature Resin
High-temperature resins are among the 3D printer materials that maintain dimensional stability at high temperatures. They are typically used in the production of high-strength, high-temperature-resistant, and precise prototypes.
Flexible/Elastic Resin
These resins are extremely flexible and stretchable. For this reason, they are used to produce grips or seals that are made in the resin printer.
Dental/Biocompatible Resin
This resin was specially developed for use in medicine. It is very safe and already indispensable in the field of dental medicine and for medical products in the facial area.
Castable Resin
Castable resin is used in the casting process and typically combined with other materials such as metal. This allows for the creation of complex shapes. It is commonly used in jewelry manufacturing.
Post-processing
Post-processing of resin printed parts is critical for component quality. The process follows: Washing and cleaning → Support removal → Curing → Surface finishing. Detailed analysis below.
Washing and Cleaning
A wash and cure machine is best used for washing and cleaning of resin prints. This ensures that the produced item is perfectly cured and cleaned.
Removing the Support Structure
Typically, the support structure is removed first. However, some brittle 3D printer materials require later removal of this support structure to avoid damaging the printed product.
Curing
Curing gives the 3D printed resin better durability and functionality. A UV curing box is particularly suitable for this.
Finishing
Finishing also includes post-processing, such as:
- polishing
- coloring or spray painting
- coating
Challenges in Resin Printing
Generally, resin printing places higher demands than FDM printing. However, learning these requirements and investing the extra time definitely pays off.
Cleanliness and Safety
Good ventilation, protective equipment such as gloves and a mask, and increased diligence are a must when using a resin printer at home.
The Error Rate in Printing is Relatively High
With 3D printing resin, there is always a high error rate. Reasons for this include:
- the support structure and adhesion
- Models tend to detach from the bottom, and attaching the support structure is often very difficult
- the high accuracy requirements for
- the ambient temperature
- the exposure parameters
- the platform calibration
How to Store Resin?
To ensure that the resin does not lose quality, storage must be carried out with certain precautions.
The 3D printer resin should be:
- stored in light-protected and airtight containers
- stored at a specified temperature and humidity
Recommended temperature: 10–35 °C; Recommended relative humidity <30%. - protected from potential environmental contamination during use and maintenance
Note: After the expiration date, the performance of the resin significantly decreases!
Conclusion
For the resin printer at home, the right resin must be chosen to make the 3D model durable and functional. Therefore, it is important to determine what will be created with it before buying resin.
If all tips and instructions are followed, you can unleash your creativity and get a perfect 3D resin print.