3D printer waterproof

9 Ways How to Make Your 3D Prints Waterproof & Airtight – 3D Printerly

Creating 3D prints that are waterproof and airtight is something that many people try to achieve, or even wonder if they can do it in the first place. It’s definitely possible to make your 3D printed objects watertight when you follow the right directions.

3D printing models with a flow rate of 150%, a large layer height and a wide nozzle diameter works very well to create waterproof and airtight models. Increase your printing temperature to help layers adhere and seal up potential gaps. Seal the final model with an epoxy resin for better results.

The rest of this article will detail the process and tips on how you can get some of the best waterproof 3D prints out there, so keep reading to find out more.

Is 3D Printing Waterproof & Airtight? Can 3D Prints Hold Water?

It is possible to 3D print a waterproof and airtight object which can hold water for long periods of time without leaking. Generally, 3D prints created normally are not waterproof because there are many small gaps throughout an object due to the nature of 3D printing. You also need to have a model which is optimized to be airtight.

Most 3D prints are not going to be watertight because 3D printing creates several layers on top of each other, and in many instances, your nozzle can get slightly clogged during printing leading to imperfections in prints.

These imperfections can lead to sections having small or large holes in the model. The larger your layer height, the less dimensionally accurate your models will be which is another factor which can create a 3D print that is not waterproof or airtight.

In order to make your 3D prints waterproof and watertight, there are steps you can follow which go from picking a good model, to adjusting your slicer settings, to post-print treatment of the model itself.

The next section will go into some more details to set you on the right path to making your 3D prints waterproof, whether it is PLA, ABS or another type of filament.

How Do You Waterproof PLA 3D Prints & Containers?

To waterproof your 3D prints you should:

Use a known water-resistant filament which can withstand water easily and be affected by it negatively
Change your print settings to print larger layers
Increase the thickness of the exterior, otherwise known as walls or perimeters
Increase your flow rate/extrusion multiplier to over extrude the amount of plastic to fill up those gaps
Increase your printing for better layer adhesion
Use a wider 3D printing nozzle such as a 0.6mm or even a 1mm nozzle
Increase your infill percentage/density to fill the model more
Apply a coat of epoxy resin to seal any gaps or holes in your 3D print
For ABS, do some acetone vapor smoothing to smooth out any holes or gaps

Using these strategies is going to lead you to a much better path to finally create some real waterproof 3D prints, whether PLA or ABS.

It’s all geared towards reducing how many holes, gaps, and layer separations we get during the printing process, then doing some post-processing to get of any holes that may have got through the FDM, layer-by-layer process.

One amazing product to seal your 3D prints that not many people know about is the MG Chemicals Silicone Conformal Coating from Amazon.

It’s an aerosol spray which people usually use to waterproof their electronics, even having great corrosion resistance when tested in a salt spray environment. Many people use it for their 3D prints to seal PLA and ABS models.

One user said he applies 4 coats, letting each coat dry for 30 minutes before applying the next. It’s really easy to use and only requires thin coats. One of the best things is how it has no weird smell or look after it dries.

Ensure you spray in a well-ventilated area.

Now let’s get into the rest of the strategies.

Use a Water-Resistant Filament

Although you can use filament that isn’t water-resistant like PLA or ABS, you would be best off picking a filament which is.

Some good water-resistant filament to use for waterproof 3D prints are:

PETG
Polypropylene (PP)
GF30-PP (Polypropylene with glass fibers)

These filaments are known to hold water nicely and have a good amount of chemical and impact resistance. Polypropylene is even hydrophobic and repels water, so it’s a great choice to go with.

Increase Your Layer Height

Printing with a thicker layer height leads to fewer spaces for there to be gaps and holes in your 3D models. It essentially squishes together and makes it more likely that your prints will be airtight and waterproof, reducing your chances of experiencing leaks.

Increase Wall Thickness or Perimeters

The outer layers, or the exterior of your model are where your 3D prints will have any gaps, so ensuring that you add more material to these sections means you can make models more waterproof.

A good rule of thumb for a good airtight 3D print is to have around 2 or 3 walls/perimeters, making sure you also have a good wall thickness of at least 1. 7mm. This would mean you would have around a 3.4-5.1mm external barrier to keep that water or liquid inside.

You should also have 4-6 top and bottom layers to provide even more of a solid exterior.

Increase Flow Rate/Extrusion Multiplier

Another great way to make your 3D prints waterproof and airtight is to increase the flow rate or extrusion multiplier in your slicer. This has similar results to some of the methods above, which extrudes more material to reduce the spaces between layers.

Each layer of your 3D model should have better adhesion since there is more pressure and material coming out the nozzle to connect with the previous layer.

Since we are increasing the amount of material coming out the nozzle, you would usually compensate by either reducing your printing speed, increasing your printing temperature, or both!

A flow rate of 150% should work well for making your prints watertight.

Increase Printing Temperature

As mentioned above, you can increase your printing temperature to add to the necessary element of good layer adhesion between every layer. When you have a relatively lower temperature, layers may not bond as well as they need to.

Use a Wider Nozzle Diameter

Increasing your nozzle diameter is one of the best ways of improving the reliability of waterproof and airtight 3D prints. It relates to increasing the flow rate and reducing the spaces between each layer.

Your layers will extrude much faster and thicker, meaning that it takes longer to cool down. This leads to better layer bonding because the filament is in more in the “liquid-state”.

I’d recommend a nozzle diameter of between 0.6mm and 1mm for the most optimal option.

Increase Infill Density Percentage

When you have a higher infill density, it reduces the presence of gaps in your model. This is a great way of ensure that your 3D prints are more waterproof, so use an infill density of 40-100%.

Apply a Coat of Epoxy Resin or Clear Coat

This is a great method of post-processing that clears up any slight failures in the printing process, because 3D printers aren’t perfect! By applying a smooth, clear coat of epoxy resin, it provides a thick protection against any smaller gaps or holes in your model.

People tend to apply a coat of XTC Smooth-On High Performance 3D Print Coating (Amazon) on the inside of their model to make it waterproof, then letting it dry. Once it’s dried, you should have a 3D print which is optimized for holding water or any liquids you choose to use.

It has a great rating of 4.4/5.0 on Amazon at time of writing and not only does it help with waterproofing your 3D prints, but it also provides a glossy shine to any of your models to make them pop.

When you sand your 3D models then apply a coat of this stuff, you can really get some professional looking 3D objects that you’ll be impressed with.

Do Acetone Vapor Smoothing

Creating waterproof 3D models with ABS is a lot easier due to the acetone smoothing technique. This works because acetone is a known solvent for ABS, and in some cases PLA depending on the brand and manufacturing methods.

The preferred way to smooth ABS prints with acetone is to create an environment where the ABS vapor can slowly work on dissolving each layer of the model and close up any gaps that may be present.

Use SLA 3D Printing

SLA or resin 3D printing provides a better alternative for making waterproof 3D prints due to its very fine layer heights of 0.01mm or just 10 microns. A 3D printed vase at 50 microns on an SLA 3D printer should be enough to provide you with a waterproof 3D print.

Since FDM works on heat and extrusion, the dimensional accuracy are much lesser, and presence of gaps are are much more prominant.

How Do You Waterproof a Vase?

If you have a vase made out of ABS, you can use acetone to slightly melt/dissolve the surface and clear up any small gaps where water might leak out.

Another great method that works to waterproof a vase for other materials is by using an aerosol spray. Many people have had success with the Performix Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Aerosol from Amazon.

It is an air-dry special rubber coating spray which is flexible, non-slip, and provides an amazing durable finish.

The best thing is how it will remain flexible and not crack or become brittle regardless of any extreme conditions, even proven to work in temperatures from -30°F to 200°F.

One user got great results with printing a vase by setting extrusion width to 30% bigger than the nozzle diameter, using two perimeters with overlap (Skin Overlap Percentage) of more than 30% to completely seal the perimeters.

Best Water-Resistant & Moisture Resistant 3D Printing Filament

Every thermoplastic is reasonably waterproof as long as the manufacturing method is sound. One user who put a PLA piece in their aquarium did a 2 year update and found that it held up without showing any signs of degradation or damage.

PLA would do fine underwater, but it’s likely going to become brittle over time.

In terms of some of the best water-resistant and moisture resistant 3D printing filament out there, I’d recommend:

PETG
ABS
Polycarbonate
ABS (acetone smoothed)

How to 3D print waterproof parts

Arun Chapman1 March 2022

Guide

3D printers promise endless applications. However, sometimes reality gets in the way of that promise. One example of where that can happen is when trying to print something that needs to hold water, only to watch it leak like a sieve. Read on to find out to avoid such a tragic waste of liquid.

Is it possible to print waterproof and watertight parts?

Yes, it can be done but it’s not always easy. To get the best results, you need to pay special attention to both the material and the settings you use. And even then, some post-processing may also be needed to get a part that is truly and reliably waterproof.

It is also worth talking about what we mean when we say waterproof. When talking about clothing or electronics, the word waterproof is usually used to indicate that an object is capable of keeping water out. For anything that needs to keep water in such as a vase, a more appropriate description would be watertight. Some industries like electronics also use the term water-resistant to describe something that can water out, up to a limit. Such as a phone which is only waterproof up to a certain depth.

In this article, we will use waterproof as an umbrella term to include all the above. The steps you take to make a print waterproof will also help it to be watertight and water-resistant. Although, most parts will not meet the same criteria that your waterproof phone is held to so it’s probably best not to go deep-water diving while relying on a printed part to protect anything sensitive.

How do you print waterproof parts?

To get waterproof parts, there are three areas that are important. The material used, your slicer settings, and post-processing.

It is possible to print waterproof parts with a variety of different 3D printing technologies. Some industrial printers with six-figure price tags are even capable of making extremely reliable waterproof parts with robust materials like metal. However, most people don’t have access to those printers so for this article, we will be focusing on the most common and accessible 3D printing technology, FFF printing.

Materials for printing waterproof parts

Most FFF filaments are thermoplastics. Plastics are generally good at being waterproof which is why most water bottles are made of plastic. Plastics are also not normally degraded or damaged by water which is also why so many of those plastic bottles end up in the ocean and are likely to stay for a long time to come. However, there are a lot of different types of thermoplastics and all of them have different properties which are worth knowing before you try to print your waterproof parts.

A note on swelling: Many 3D printing materials are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water. Some are worse than others (PETG, Nylon, PLA) and some are better (ABS, PP) but most absorb water to some extent. The result is, if you leave a part in contact with water for a long time it may start to swell. The amount of swelling is usually small, but it can deform your part and even cause it to split or break in a way that stops it from being waterproof or watertight. The swelling will not continue indefinitely or cause the part to degrade completely like it would with untreated wood. Instead, the part will likely swell up to a certain point (depending on the material) and then stop. If you have ever printed a part that was initially waterproof but started leaking over time, this was probably why. It should be possible to dry your part to remove the swelling but allowing a part to swell and then drying it repeatedly may cause increasingly more damage.

PLA

PLA is one of the cheapest and most common FFF printing materials. PLA can be used to create waterproof parts, but it does have some disadvantages. As mentioned above PLA can be prone to absorbing water and swelling.

PLA is also biodegradable. Meaning that (under the right circumstances) it can be composted. This is not an issue if it’s only exposed to perfectly clean water, but if you were to leave a PLA printed part submerged for an extended period in a body of water that contains microorganisms, like a pond, there is a chance that your part could start to degrade. Albeit slowly.

Lastly, PLA has low heat resistance. Meaning that if you wanted to use a printed part to hold hot water, it would likely deform. This can be solved by heat treating your part after printing. Heat treating is explained more later in this article.

PETG

PETG is another common and affordable FFF material. PETG is particularly hygroscopic meaning it’s prone to swelling. On the flipside, PETG has a high heat resistance so printed parts can be kept outside in direct sunlight without issue, and they can stand up to hot (although not boiling) water.

PP is one of the better options for printing waterproof parts. It is less prone to swelling than PLA or PETG and it is chemical resistant. PP can also be used to print flexible parts that hold their shape and do not break after repeated bending.

ABS

ABS is a decent option for printing waterproof parts. It has a high heat resistance and is not as hygroscopic as many other materials. The best reason to use ABS, though, is that you can use Acetone to vapor-smooth parts printed in ABS. Vapor-smoothing will be talked about more in the post-processing section.

PVB

PolySmooth is a PVB-based material made by PolyMaker that is easy to print and has mechanical properties similar to PETG. The big advantage of PolySmooth for printing waterproof parts is that it can be vapor smoothed using isopropyl alcohol. The process is similar to how ABS is smoothed using acetone but isopropyl alcohol is much safer and easier to handle than acetone.

Which settings to use for printing waterproof parts?

Just as important as the material you choose, is the settings you use. FFF printing works by stacking layers of material on top of each other, one at a time. The problem with that is that each layer has a chance of leaving a small gap between itself and the layer below. The following settings are mostly aimed at avoiding those gaps or mitigating their effect:

Wall line count

Wall line count is the setting that determined how many layers thick the outer wall of your print is. Generally, more wall lines will increase the chance of your part being waterproof. The reason is that they reduced the chance of water having a direct path through all the walls present. If under extrusion or some other issue has caused a small gap in one wall, the next wall acts as a backup to plug that gap.

A wall line count of 3 is normally a good place to start. It’s worth noting that increasing the wall line count for thin parts will have no effect. There is also one situation where a single wall is the best option, and that’s when using vase mode.

Spiralize outer contour (vase mode)

Spiralize outer contour (also known as vase mode) is a setting that enables smooth printing of objects with a single wall thickness. It turns the print into one continuous print path which means there are no retractions between layers and therefore no Z seam.

That is the biggest benefit of vase mode. The Z seam is one of the most common areas for gaps in your printed part to occur. Removing that seam makes parts with even a single wall capable of being waterproof. However, this setting is not suitable for most parts as it requires a very specific geometry. Vases, cups, and bowls are the kinds of prints that can be printed using vase mode.

Temperature

Gaps can appear when one layer is not properly bonded to the layer below. A higher printing temp is one way to increase layer adhesion. It’s generally best to print at as high a temp as your material will allow. Beware that when you print at too high a temp, the material can boil as it comes out of the nozzle, leading to more issues and potential gaps.

Flow rate

Under-extrusion is a major cause of gaps in your part. Even well-tuned print profiles can suffer from under-extrusion at times as they normally prioritize high dimensional accuracy, structural strength, or visual fidelit over other considerations. A slight increase to flow rate should be enough to see an improvement. Start with 105% and increase until you see diminishing returns.

How to post-process a part to make it waterproof

Ideally, you should be able to pull a printed part off the build plate and have it be completely waterproof. However, sometimes a bit of post-processing is needed to shore up an almost waterproof part. Here are some of the main methods you can use:

Apply a waterproof coating

This is the easiest and most straightforward way to waterproof an otherwise leaky part. Applying a waterproofing spray, a clear coat, or even just water-resistant paint can help plug up any tiny gaps in your part. Multiple coats may be needed depending on the part and the coating used.

Vapor smoothing

Vapor smoothing using acetone for ABS or isopropanol for PVB is a great way to make a part more waterproof. Vapor smoothing is the process of using a chemical to melt the outer surface of a printed part just enough that it smooths out the part and removes the layer lines that are synonymous with FFF printed parts. Vapor smoothing is normally done to make a part look better but since it fuses the layers of a printed part together, it’s also a great way to fill gaps and make a part more waterproof.

Temperature treatment

Temperature treatment can be done in two ways and for two very different goals. The first is to apply heat to the outside of a print (usually with a heat gun) so that the outer surface melts just enough to fuse the layers together in order to remove the layer lines. This works in the same way as vapor smoothing and it helps remove gaps in the surface of a part and therefore makes it more waterproof.

The second is to heat soak a part over an extended period in an oven or other heated chamber. This process is called annealing. Annealing a part allows the layers of the entire part (even the interior) to bond together more strongly. This increases the strength of the part and makes it more temperature resistant in the future. This can result in PLA parts that have equal or higher temperature resistance to that of ABS or PETG parts.

What are the applications for waterproof parts?

Once you have perfected printing waterproof parts, there is a whole world of possible applications. One obvious area is food and drinks related prints like bowls, cups, or water bottles. While all these prints are possible, we would advise against it as FFF prints are often not food safe and the process for assuring they are is beyond the scope of this article.

However, there are plenty of other applications for waterproof parts. Some examples are:

Scientific research

3D printed parts can be perfect for helping in scientific research related to fluid dynamics and microfluidics. An example of this in practice are the researchers at Cardiff University using 3D printed parts to study microfluidics in a way that is cheaper and more flexible than traditional alternatives.

Watch the video

Gardening

Plant pots, composting containers, and hydroponics are just a few areas that are ripe for 3D printing to help with gardening. Beware that if you are using a printed part outside then you should make sure the material you use is suitable to the climate and environmental conditions. More robust materials like PETG and ABS might be a better choice than PLA, for example.

Water features

3D printed water features can be perfect for your pond or fish tank. And with the complete creative freedom that 3D printing provides, there’s no reason you can’t create an epic rube Goldberg-style water feature that fills your whole house with the soothing sound of gently flowing water.

We hope you enjoyed learning about how to print waterproof parts. If you found these tips valuable, you might be interested to know that a lot of the same techniques apply when trying to print transparent parts. To learn more, check out the blog post we did on the topic.

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3D printer: the best waterproof filaments | ITIGIC

May 11, 2021 Matt Mills Editor's Choice 0

More and more users choose 3D Printer whether it is filament or resin model. In truth, this type of gadget has become very trendy because of the options it offers. A product whose price has dropped significantly, so it has become a commonplace in our homes.

While it is true that the first generations of 3D printers were exorbitantly priced, manufacturers have gradually emerged offering very interesting solutions at really attractive prices. Obviously they are models that are not suitable for professional use , hence the price drop, but they will more than meet your expectations if you want to take your first steps in the world of 3D printing. In addition, the results achieved will more than justify your expectations.

Contents

3D printer types
Using waterproof filament
Options to consider
- Printer filament
- Printer filament
- Thread for the printer PAHT K7LM
- Free printer

Types of 3D printers

When buying a device of this type, you must clearly understand what you are looking for. Moreover, because in this market we can find two very different models: filament 3D printers (also known as FDM) and resin printers (also known as SLA).

We are talking about two very different products targeting two very different profiles. What's more, because filament printers are much easier to use, in addition to the fact that they don't require as much maintenance as resin printers, whose prints require a curing process, for example.

In turn, the fact that 3D filament or FDM printers offer a slightly lower level of quality, so they are not the best option if you want to print mostly very fine details.

It is also worth noting that filament printers are noticeably cheaper than their resin competitors, Therefore, if you are taking your first steps in the world of 3D printing, we recommend that you buy a model with filament. What's more, seeing the huge variety of fibers that you can find on the market.

Using waterproof thread

Among the different options we can find waterproof fibers. And the truth is that in certain situations it will be really useful to have such a thread. For example, maybe your outdoor camera bracket is broken and you need to create a part that solves that problem. The only thing you need is to print the part itself with waterproof thread so that you can use it outdoors without worrying about anything, as inclement weather won't be a problem.

It could also be because you want to repair your diving goggles or any other item that will last longer if it is waterproof. In addition, this type of fiber simply excels in being non-porous, making it completely waterproof, in addition to some treatment to repel water or no problem after extended use.

This eliminates the need for any special processing when printing parts with waterproof filament. All you need to do is 3D print the part in the usual way, remove the excess material and start using your creation, confident that this liquid element will not be a problem.

Options to consider

Now that the benefits and possible uses of waterproof filament have been explained, we've prepared a complete selection of the best options to consider so you can print all kinds of waterproof parts. The filaments are compatible with any 3D printer, so you don't have to worry about this aspect at all to enjoy a great user experience and make sure your creations are waterproof. Without further ado, we're going to look at the various options.

Printer filament

The first model we would like to recommend is carbon fiber powder filled filament, which is highly impact resistant. Without a doubt, a great option for creating openwork things.

Printer Filament

Second, we would like to recommend this other filament with a carbon fiber finish that gives it extra strength. Add oil resistance to it and you have a very versatile thread.

PAHT K7LM Printer Filament

Another great option is another spool of filament. Nylon finished product provides extra durability at a very attractive price.

Smartfil Printer Filament

eSUN PETG Printer Filament

If you are looking for a filament that allows you to create products with a high level of gloss, this solution will more than meet your expectations, and also at a very attractive price.

Prima Filaments

What about this spool of filament? Product available in a wide variety of colors so you can find the product that best suits your needs.

TIANSE Printer Filament

Continuing this selection, you will find the best waterproof fibers you can buy for your 3D printer, with a model that will more than meet your expectations. We already expect TIANSE to become one of the best in the industry, so you can be assured of excellent quality.

Printer Filament S SIENOC 1

And what about this model that stands out because is made with 's patented CLOCK-FREE technology, which guarantees you a consistent impression without any problems.

ASA Printer Filament

We return to ASA to recommend a filament designed for outdoor use. Without a doubt, your best companion if you are looking for a product of this type that is resistant to adverse weather conditions.

Printer Filament

We complete this selection of the best filaments to use with your 3D printer with a model that will more than meet your expectations as it is carbon fiber and very durable.

3D printing

The Complete Guide to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing modern materials.

This comprehensive guide explains how SLA printing technologies work, why thousands of professionals use them today, and how this 3D printing technology can be useful in your work.

White Paper

Download our white paper to find out how SLA printing works, why thousands of people use it today, and how this 3D printing technology can help your work.

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The development of 3D printing technology continues to influence how companies approach prototyping and manufacturing. This technology is becoming more accessible, and equipment and materials are developing in accordance with the possibilities and requirements of the market. That's why today designers, engineers and others are integrating 3D printing into workflows at all stages of development.

3D printing is helping industry professionals reduce recruitment costs, accelerate iteration, streamline manufacturing processes, and even discover entirely new business models.

Stereolithography 3D printing technology has evolved significantly. In the past, resin 3D printers were monolithic and costly, requiring skilled technicians and costly service contracts to operate. Today's small desktop printers are highly flexible and produce industrial-quality products at a much lower cost.

Stereolithography is a type of additive manufacturing. It is also known as photopolymerization in the bath or 3D printing using polymer resin. Devices that use this technology have a common principle of operation: under the influence of a light source (laser or projector), a liquid polymer turns into a solid plastic. The main differences are in the location of the main components such as the light source, work platform and resin tank.

See how stereolithography 3D printing is done.

Stereolithographic 3D printers use light-sensitive curable materials called "polymers". When stereolithographic polymers are exposed to specific wavelengths of light, short molecular chains join together causing the monomers and oligomers to polymerize into either rigid or flexible patterns.

Graphical representation of the main mechanisms of stereolithographic 3D printing.

Models printed with SLA printers have the highest resolution and accuracy, the finest detail, and the smoothest surface of any 3D printing technology, but the main advantage of this method is its versatility.

Materials manufacturers have developed innovative formulas for stereolithographic polymers with a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties similar to standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastic resins.

Comparison of 3D stereolithography with two other common plastic modeling technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

Sample

Experience the quality of 3D stereolithography for yourself. We will send a free sample of the printed model directly to your office.

Request a Free Print Sample

Learn how to go from design to 3D printing with a Form 3 3D printer. Watch this 5-minute video to learn the fundamentals of using the Form 3 printer, from software and materials to processes printing and post-processing.

Use any CAD software or 3D scan data to design the model and export it to a 3D print file format (STL or OBJ). All printers based on SLA technology work with software that allows you to set print parameters and separate the digital model into layers. After the settings are complete, the model preparation software sends instructions to the printer via a wireless or cable connection.

More advanced users can design directly for SLA technology or, for example, print models with voids to save materials.

After a quick check of the settings, the printing process begins. The printer may run unattended until printing is complete. In printers with a cartridge system, material is replenished automatically.

Formlabs' online Dashboard allows you to remotely manage printers, resins, and employee access.

After printing is complete, prints should be rinsed with isopropyl alcohol to remove resin residue from their surface. After the washed models have dried, some materials require final polymerization, a process that ensures the best possible strength and stability of the parts. Finally, remove the support structures from the models and sand down the remaining traces of the supports for a clean finish. Models produced with SLA technology can be machined, primed, painted or assembled depending on the intended use.

The final polymerization is particularly important for functional polymer resins used in engineering, dentistry and jewellery.

Engineers, designers, fabricators and others choose 3D stereolithography because it provides excellent detail, smooth surfaces, superior model fidelity, isotropy, and water resistance. In addition, it allows you to work with various materials.

Since 3D printing builds models layer by layer, the strength of finished parts may vary depending on the orientation of the part relative to the printing process: the X, Y, and Z axes will have different properties.

Extrusion-based 3D printing processes such as deposition filament modeling (FDM) are anisotropic due to a special approach to creating different layers during the manufacturing process. This anisotropy limits the application of FDM technology or requires additional changes in the design of the model to compensate for it.

Check out our detailed guide comparing FDM and SLA 3D printers to see how they differ in terms of print quality, materials, application, workflow, speed, cost, and more.

Stereolithographic 3D printers, on the other hand, allow the production of highly isotropic models. Achieving detail isotropy relies on a number of factors that can be tightly controlled by integrating the chemical composition of materials with the printing process. During printing, the components of the polymers form covalent bonds, but when creating subsequent layers, the model remains in an "immature" state of partial reaction.

When immature, the resin retains polymerizable groups that can form bonds between layers, giving the model isotropic and waterproof properties after final curing. At the molecular level, there are no differences between the X, Y, and Z planes. This results in models with predictable mechanical characteristics critical for applications such as jigs and fixtures and finished parts, as well as functional prototyping.

SLA printed parts are highly isotropic compared to FDM parts.

Because of its isotropy, stereolithographic printed models, such as this jig for Pankl Racing Systems, can withstand directional loads during production.

SLA printed objects are continuous whether they are solid or have internal channels. Watertightness is important when it is necessary to control and predict the impact of air or liquid flows. Engineers and designers are using the water resistance of stereolithography printers for air and fluid flow applications in the automotive industry, biomedical research, and to test the design of parts in consumer products such as kitchen appliances.

OXO relies on the water resistance of stereolithographic printed models to create durable working prototypes of air and liquid products such as coffee makers.

Stereolithographic 3D printing is used to produce precise, reproducible components in a variety of industries, including dentistry and manufacturing. In order to produce accurate models during the printing process, many factors must be strictly controlled.

The quality of stereolithographic 3D printing is somewhere between standard and precision machined. SLA has the highest tolerance compared to other commercial 3D printing technologies. Learn more about tolerances, accuracy and precision in 3D printing.

The heated resin tank combined with the closed working environment provide virtually the same conditions for every model. The higher accuracy also depends on the lower printing temperature compared to thermoplastic-based technologies in which the raw material is melted. Because stereolithography uses light instead of heat, it prints at close to room temperature and models are not subject to thermal expansion and contraction.

Dental example (comparing a scanned component to an original CAD model) demonstrating the ability to maintain tight tolerances for an entire stereolithographic model.

LFS stereolithography 3D printing involves an optic in a Light Processing Unit (LPU) that moves along the x-axis. parabolic mirrors so that it is always perpendicular to the plane of the platform, so it always moves in a straight line, ensuring maximum precision and accuracy. This allows consistency to be achieved as the size of the equipment increases, for example, when working with a large-sized Formlabs Form 3L stereolithography printer. The LPU also uses a spatial filter, which forms a clear laser spot.

The characteristics of the individual materials also play an important role in ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of print results.

Formlabs Rigid Resin has a high green modulus, or modulus of elasticity, before final polymerization, allowing you to print very thin models with high precision and reliability.

Stereolithographic printers are considered the best 3D printers due to the smooth surface of the models produced, the appearance of which is comparable to parts produced by traditional methods such as machining, injection molding and extrusion.

This surface quality is ideal when a perfect finish is needed and also helps to reduce post-processing time because these models are easy to sand, polish and paint. For example, large companies like Gillette use stereolithography 3D printing to create finished products such as razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.

Large companies such as Gillette use stereolithography 3D printing to create finished products such as razor handles in their Razor Maker platform.

The layer height along the Z axis is often used to determine the resolution of a 3D printer. On Formlabs stereolithographic 3D printers, it can be adjusted from 25 microns to 300 microns to trade off speed and print quality.

FDM and SLS printers typically print Z-axis layers between 100 and 300 microns wide. At the same time, a part printed with 100 micron layers on an FDM or SLS printer is very different from a part printed with 100 micron layers on an SLA printer. Models printed on a stereolithographic printer have a smoother surface immediately after printing, because their outer walls are straight, and each new printed layer interacts with the previous one, smoothing out the effect of the stairs. When printed on an FDM printer, layers are often visible in models, and the surface of models printed on an SLS printer has a grainy structure due to sintered powder.

In addition, the stereolithography printer can print fine details: the Form 3 laser spot size is 85 microns, while industrial SLS printers have a 350 micron laser spot, and FDM-based devices use nozzles with a diameter of 250– 800 microns.

Models printed on FDM printers often show layer lines and may have inaccuracies around complex features. Models printed on stereolithography printers have sharp edges, a smooth surface, and almost imperceptible layer lines.

The advantage of SLA polymers lies in a wide range of formulations offering a variety of characteristics: they can be soft or hard, contain additives such as glass and ceramics, or have special mechanical properties such as high bending temperature under load or impact resistance. Materials can be designed for a particular industry, such as dentures, or have properties close to those of final materials to create prototypes that can be tested and run under stress.

Ceramic Resin can be 3D printed with a stone-like texture and then fired to create a ceramic product.

In some cases, it is this combination of versatility and functionality that is leading businesses to adopt polymer-based 3D printing in-house. After solving existing problems through the use of a certain functional polymer, other applications are usually quickly discovered. In this case, the printer becomes a tool for discovering the various properties of different polymers.

For example, hundreds of engineers in the Design and Prototyping group at the Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Research Center (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield have access to 12 stereolithographic 3D printers and various construction materials that they use in numerous research projects for these partner companies. like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Airbus. They printed High Temp Resin washers, brackets, and a mounting system for a sensor that must operate in high temperature conditions, and used Durable Resin to create complex spring components for a material handling robot as part of a composite manufacturing automation system.

AMRC engineers have access to 12 stereolithographic 3D printers and various construction materials, allowing them to create custom-designed parts for a variety of research projects, such as brackets for a stacking robot (above) and mounts for an environmental sensor. high temperature (below).

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Stereolithographic 3D printing makes it easier for businesses across industries to innovate. Such industries include engineering, manufacturing, dentistry, healthcare, education, entertainment, jewelry, and audiology.

Rapid prototyping with 3D printing enables engineers and developers to turn ideas into working proofs of concept, transform concepts into high-quality prototypes that look and work like end products, and take products through testing phases to launch into mass production.

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By creating the necessary prototypes and 3D printing special tools, molds and production aids, manufacturing companies can automate production and optimize workflows at a much lower cost and in much faster time than traditional manufacturing. Thus, production costs are reduced and defects are prevented, quality is improved, assembly is accelerated and labor productivity is increased.

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Digital Dentistry reduces the risks and uncertainties associated with human error, enabling consistent quality and precision at every step of the workflow, and improving patient care. 3D printers can produce a range of high quality custom products at low cost, providing exceptional fit and reproducible results.

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3D printers are multifunctional tools for creating immersive learning and research environments. They stimulate creativity and introduce students to professional-level technology, enabling the implementation of the STEAM method in the fields of science, technology, art and design.

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Affordable, professional-grade desktop 3D printers help clinicians produce medical devices that meet individual needs and improve patient outcomes. At the same time, the organization significantly reduces time and money costs: from laboratories to operating rooms.

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High resolution printed physical models are widely used in digital sculpting, 3D character modeling and prop making. 3D-printed models have been featured in animated films, video game characters, theatrical costumes, and even special effects for blockbuster films.

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Professional jewelers use the power of CAD and 3D printing to rapidly prototype, customize jewelry to customer specifications and produce large batches of blanks for casting. Digital tools allow you to create dense, highly detailed models without the tedious, error-prone production of stencils.

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Hearing professionals and labs use digital workflows and 3D printing to simplify the production of high-quality custom and hearing aids, as well as to mass-produce behind-the-ear hearing aids, hearing protectors, custom earmoulds and headphones .

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Many companies are starting to use 3D printing technology through service bureaus and laboratories. Outsourcing can be a great solution when the need for 3D printing is infrequent or you need to do one-off jobs using materials that have unique properties or produce special models. Service bureaus can also provide advice on various materials and offer additional services such as design or improved finishes.

The main disadvantages of outsourcing are the high cost and duration of production. Often, outsourcing becomes a step on the way to in-house manufacturing as needs grow. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is its speed compared to traditional production methods. But it is noticeably reduced when the delivery of the model produced by the involved organization takes several days or even weeks. As demand and production capacity increase, the costs of outsourcing are rising rapidly.

With the increasing availability of industrial-quality 3D printing today, more companies are opting to bring 3D printing into their factory right away, vertically integrating it into existing workshops or labs, or providing printers to engineers, designers, and other professionals who benefit from digital transformation. projects into physical models or are engaged in the production of products in small batches.

Compact desktop stereolithography 3D printers are an excellent solution for rapid model production. Depending on the number of parts needed and the volume of prints, the investment in a compact 3D printer can pay for itself in just a few months. In addition, compact appliances allow you to purchase just the amount of equipment you need to run your business and scale your production by adding more units as demand grows. Using multiple 3D printers also allows you to print models from different materials at the same time. And when the need arises for the production of large parts or the use of non-standard materials, service bureaus can come to the rescue.

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High production speed is an important reason to buy a desktop 3D printer. When working with a print bureau, there are delays related to the speed of production, communication and delivery. A desktop 3D printer like the Form 3 delivers models in hours, allowing designers and engineers to print multiple parts a day. This contributes to faster iterations and significant time savings in product development, as well as rapid testing of mechanisms and assemblies, avoiding costly tool changes.

Purchasing a desktop 3D printer saves a lot of money by eliminating bureau services and traditional processing methods, as their cost rises sharply with increasing demand and production volumes.

For example, a production engineer and others at Pankl Racing Systems used stereolithographic 3D printing technology to produce products on a tight schedule. This allowed them to independently manufacture custom-designed jigs and other small-sized components for the production line. While stereolithography was initially viewed with skepticism, this technology proved to be an ideal solution to replace the machining of a number of tools. In one of the cases, it made it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of conductors by $51-137

By 3D printing custom-designed jigs, Pankl Racing Systems has significantly reduced both order preparation time and production costs.

Compact units allow you to purchase just the amount of equipment you need to run your business and scale your production by adding new units as demand grows. Using multiple 3D printers also allows you to print models from different materials at the same time.

The University of Sheffield's Manufacturing Advanced Research Center (AMRC) has an additive manufacturing station with 12 Form 2 stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers that hundreds of engineers working on various projects have access to.

Formlabs offers two high-precision stereolithographic 3D printing systems, an ever-growing range of specialty materials, intuitive print preparation and process management software, and professional services, all in one solution.