Types of 3d printer resin
Which 3D Printed Resin Is Right for You? | 3D Printing Blog
Which 3D Printed Resin Is Right for You?
by Erlinde | October 17, 2019
Are you thinking about 3D printing in resin? Would you like to know more about the technology behind 3D printing in resin? Or you just can’t figure out which one of our five resins to choose? Then this blog post is perfect for you!
The Technology: Stereolithography
Stereolithography, the mother of all 3D printing technologies, has been around at Materialise since 1990. It is one of the most widely used 3D printing technologies for plastic 3D models. Instead of using powder or filament, Stereolithography technology uses a liquid resin to produce 3D prints. Since we are dealing with a liquid material, additional support structure is necessary for overhanging parts and cavities.
The 3D printing process takes place in a large tank filled with liquid resin. To start the process, a layer of UV-sensitive liquid polymer is spread over a platform. Then, by applying a UV laser, selective parts of the liquid are hardened, depending on where the laser beam strikes. The remaining material in the tank stays liquid. In the next step, the platform, together with the model, is lowered, making room for the next layer of polymer to be drawn on top of the previous one. Again, the laser beam is applied to harden selective parts of the liquid material.
This process is repeated until the model is finished. The required supports (for overhanging parts and cavities) are automatically generated and once the entire process is done, the model can be raised out of the tank and the supports are manually removed.
5 Different 3D Printed Resins
The main advantages of our 3D printed resins are smooth surfaces, high-quality, detailed prints and a huge variety of finishing and post-processing possibilities. But let’s take a look at each of the five 3D printed resins in depth.
Standard ResinOur most recently added resin is Standard Resin. It is a material that offers great quality at a low price, making it the ideal low-budget material. It is available with or without support; the support can be manually removed with tools and sanding paper. Standard Resin has a high level of detail, it is translucent, feels smooth to the touch and is easy to paint and post-process.
Dino Rider in Standard Resin by Bert De Niel.
Gray ResinGray Resin, previously known as Prime Gray, is a very smooth resin, much smoother than almost all other 3D printing materials, and easy to paint. The standard finish comes in Natural Gray (Air Force Gray), but in total there are nine finishing colors to choose from: white, black, blue, green, yellow, gray, red, orange and brown. However, you can also paint it yourself. We’ve got just the right tutorial for you here.
As you can read on this article, Gray Resin is the perfect material to 3D print figurines.
“Strong Bot” 3D Printed in Gray Resin and hand-painted by Onorio
Mammoth ResinThe main advantage of our Mammoth Resin material is that you can print in huge sizes: 2100x700x800mm. And it comes with the same high quality and smoothness as the other resins. So, if you want to print a large piece, hesitate no longer and choose our Mammoth Resin. Discover our favorite Mammoth Resin designs on this article.
Bike Frame in Mammoth Resin by James Novak.
Transparent ResinAs the name already reveals, Transparent Resin is the material of your choice if you want to print in a transparent material. The material is water-resistant by nature and ideal for smaller models that need a smooth, high-quality, transparent surface.
Learn how to get the perfect Transparent 3D print and get inspired by this amazing cathedral printed in transparent resin.
3D Printed Transparent Resin
High-Detail ResinFinally, our last resin, High-Detail Resin, doesn’t use stereolithography, but instead uses a 3D printing technology called PolyJet. So how does this work? It jets ultra-thin layers of resin onto a building platform. Each layer is immediately hardened by UV light. This process is continued layer by layer until the model is completed.
Again, supports are necessary for complicated geometries, which can be removed by hand or water jetting once the printing process is finished. If you need a small model with an enormous level of detail and a smooth surface, choose our High-Detail Resin.
Animation Figure in 3D Printed High Detail Resin by Hanne Maes
Are you convinced that Resins are the way to go? Are you looking for a smooth material that focuses heavily on a high quality-price ratio, that is easily paintable or features large sizes, transparency or high details? Don’t look any further and choose your ideal resin.
Upload your 3D model, pick the material of choice and turn your idea into reality.
Don’t forget to read the design guidelines for each 3D printed resin to make the most of your 3D prints!
What Types of SLA Resin Are There For 3D Printing? Best Brands & Types – 3D Printerly
When it comes to resin 3D printing, there are a few types of resins you want to get familiar with. I thought there was only one type when I first started. After some time, I noticed there are more types with some cool properties.
For resin 3D printing, you can choose to use Standard Resin, Clear Resin, Tough Resin, Flexible Resin, Water-Washable Resin, and Dental Resin, each with its own set of unique properties and specific use cases.
I’ll be describing these different types of resins and more in detail in this article, as well as some great brands to get for yourself. Keep on reading through this article for more useful information.
What Types of Resin Are There For 3D Printing?
There are many kinds of liquid resins for 3D printing and each of them boast their own unique properties and added benefits. I will go over them below in simple terms, so you can decide which one sounds more suited to your use case.
The following are the different types of resin that are commonly used for 3D printing:
- Standard Resin
- Clear Resin
- Tough Resin
- Flexible Resin
- Water-Washable Resin
- Dental Resin
- Ceramic-Filled Resin
Do keep in mind that some resins can have multiple properties and types in one.
Standard Resin
Standard Resin is the most popular liquid resin used for 3D printing. One of the major reasons for its widespread use is its high quality with great details and affordable pricing.
This type of resin makes high-resolution prints and is best recommended to beginners who are just starting out with resin 3D printing.
The following are the main properties of Standard Resin:
- Smooth surface quality
- Highly detailed features and remarkable quality
- Very affordable
- Can break with little effort
- Minimal impact resistance
- Not suitable for functional parts
- Comes in the largest range of colors
An example of standard resin would be Elegoo Mars Standard Resin.
There are plenty of colors you can get with standard resins such as white, gray, beige, red, blue, green, black, maroon, white, yellow, clear, and more.
Clear Resin
Clear Resin is another popular choice for those wishing to make transparent 3D prints. It’s in the same category as Standard Resin, but deserves its own category due to the unique color. Many resins come in clear colors such as clear red, clear green, clear blue, or just clear.
The following are the main properties of Clear Resin:
- High-quality surface finish
- Makes transparent prints
- Water-resistant
- The clarity may degrade with time as the model is exposed to UV rays
A good example of clear resin is Anycubic Clear 3D Printer Resin 1KG.
The really cool thing about clear resin is how you can mix your own colors into it using something like DecorRom Epoxy Resin Pigment from Amazon to make beautiful, unique colors. You can also do this successfully with white resin.
I wrote an article about Mixing Different 3D Printer Resins Together which goes over how to mix these pigment dyes to create new colors, so feel free to check that out.
Tough Resin
Tough Resin is the perfect choice when it comes down to producing strong, functional resin 3D prints that can easily handle stress and strain. It’s also called ABS-like since it resembles the mechanical properties of ABS.
This material is ideal for making mechanical parts like machine assembly components, wearable items, and other objects that need to withstand wear and tear.
The following are the main properties of Tough Resin:
- High impact and shatter-resistance
- Durable and sturdy
- Best for creating sturdy functional parts
- Not recommended for models with thin walls
- Print removal can be a little difficult compared to Standard Resin
An example of tough resin is the eSUN Tough High Impact Resin.
Flexible Resin
Flexible Resin is a unique material that boasts rubber-like properties. It allows users to create firm parts with a high degree of flexibility, although the latter does depend on the specific Shore Hardness value of the resin.
It can withstand bends and compressions easily and is perfect for making packaging materials, handles, grips, gaskets, and stamps.
The following are the main properties of Flexible Resin:
- Very flexible
- Great impact resistance
- Ideal for making flexible parts
- Can be hard to print with
- Mostly requires a good use of support structures
- Like Tough Resin, it’s also not recommended for models with thin walls
An example of flexible resin would be the Siraya Tech Flexible Tenacious Resin.
Water-Washable Resin
Water-Washable Resin is exactly what the name says it is. This material stands out for simple and easy post-processing with water instead of using IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or anything similar.
Apart from its ease of use, this resin boasts a low odor and higher strength than Standard Resin. However, it’s quite brittle as well, thanks to the gradual water absorption by the part as you clean and post-process it with water.
The following are the main properties of Water-Washable Resin:
- Effortless post-processing with water instead of alcohol or other solutions
- Appreciable strength
- Fast curing speeds
- Good detail
- Can be dyed or painted easily
- Absorption of water in parts can generally make them crack
- Affordable
An example of water washable resin would be the Elegoo Water Washable Ceramic Gray Resin.
Dental Resin
Dental Resin is a special kind of material that is specifically used for making dental appliances. It generally comprises high precision and an exceedingly smooth surface quality.
This resin has the benefit that it can be steam-sterilized using an autoclave, so it’s more suited for professional settings rather than regular consumer use.
The following are the main properties of Dental Resin:
- High compressive strength
- Aesthetic appearance perfect for dental use
- Resistant to abrasion
- Ideal for surgical and dental appliances
- Average fracture-resistance
- Expensive
An example of dental resin would be EPAX 3D Printer Dental Resin.
Ceramic-Filled Resin
Ceramic-Filled Resins are a sizable step up from Tough Resins. As the name depicts, this material is usually reinforced with ceramic materials resulting in extremely stiff, and smooth parts.
This type of resin also has great heat resistance and remarkable thermal stability, so you can make highly functional parts that can easily tolerate multiple rough conditions.
The following are the main properties of Ceramic-Filled Resin:
- Very tough and stiff
- Excellent for making fine-featured parts
- Highly resistant to heat
- Ideal for molds, jewelry, automotive applications, pipes, and manifolds
- Below-average impact strength
- Brittle
An example of a ceramic-filled resin would be iFUN Ceramics Resin.
Best Types & Brands of Resin to Buy
Different manufacturers are out there trying to create the best resins for SLA 3D printers, but only a few of them have really achieved that “best” status.
Before we pick the top brands, here are some popular brands that you’ll find when searching for 3D printer resin.
- Anycubic
- Elegoo
- Siraya Tech
- eSUN
- Phrozen
- Formlabs
- SUNLU
- Nova3D
Let’s now look into the best brands that create high-quality 3D printer resin.
Anycubic
Anycubic is one of the pioneers of resin-based 3D printing. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and has over 200 employees hard at work for it.
It was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who were hell-bent on bringing a change in the world of 3D printing. Fast-forward to 2021, Anycubic is a leading 3D printer manufacturer.
This company has come out with some of the best liquid resins ever that are both affordable and produce top-quality prints. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
- Anycubic 3D Printer Standard Resin (Amazon) – A highly balanced resin that lets you create highly detailed prints with vividly apparent features. Parts made with this resin are quite durable and have a low odor as well. The Standard Resin has a 4.7/5.0 overall rating on Amazon where people have constantly praised the material for its extensive shelf life of 12 months and overall quality.
- Anycubic Craftsman Resin (Anycubic) – A premium-grade high-precision resin that makes models with extremely fine details. This resin is also suited for jewelry items and accessories for its high quality. On Amazon, the material has a 4.5/5.0 overall rating where customers regard the Craftsman Resin to produce ultra-fine details in their prints with little tendency to shrink.
- Anycubic Eco Resin (Amazon) – An environment-friendly resin that’s based on soybean oil. This material boasts the lowest odor out of any other resin and has fast curing times as well. The Anycubic Eco Resin has got a 4.7/5.0 overall rating on Amazon with people regarding it as pleasant to work with. Resin smell can become a huge problem for some, but this material makes sure to provide an eco-friendly printing experience.
Elegoo
Elegoo is another very reliable and trustworthy 3D printer brand that is known for its extensive array of high-performance SLA 3D printers. The company also makes high-quality liquid resins for its consumer base.
Like Anycubic, the company also originated in 2015 in Shenzhen, China, and has since earned quite the name for itself in the 3D printing industry.
If there’s one aspect where Elegoo beats Anycubic, it’s the quality of the customer support service.
Elegoo is famous for having the most skilled and cooperative customer support centers that prioritize customer satisfaction above everything else, even if that means going the extra mile.
That said, we are now going to take a look at some of the best Elegoo resins that you can buy and start creating top-of-the-line prints with right away.
- Elegoo ABS-Like Tough Resin (Amazon) – A fantastic choice of resin for making durable models. This material borrows the properties of the famous ABS filament so it’s quite tough and is also easy to clean up with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). On Amazon, the Elegoo ABS-Like Resin is well-received with a 4.7/5.0 overall rating. It’s high tenacity and low brittleness makes it a favorite among people who require functional 3D prints.
- Elegoo Water-Washable Resin (Amazon) – A premium resin that can be rinsed with water for post-processing. This popular material is also known for making attractive and durable prints. The Water-Washable Resin has a 4.7/5.0 overall rating, mostly because of its exceptional ease of use, and a far less irritating odor than other resins.
Siraya Tech
Siraya Tech is another reputed brand that’s known for making top-of-the-line liquid resins for a wide variety of SLA 3D printers, such as the Anycubic Photon series, the Elegoo Mars series, and even the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K.
People from all over the world have tried out Siraya Tech resins and they’ve fallen in love with their quality, effectiveness, and affordability.
Let’s take a look at some of the best resins offered by this brand below.
- Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin (Flexible Resin) (Amazon) – A high-end resin that boasts high flexibility and toughness for making strong functional parts. People mostly pick this resin up for mechanical prints like bumpers and outer casings. It’s a top-rated product on Amazon with a 4.7/5.0 overall rating.
- Siraya Tech Sculpt (Amazon) – A high-temperature resin with great resolution and surface finish that’s ideal for injection molds. Being an engineering-grade resin that captures details very well, it’s quite affordable, as many people pointed out. On Amazon, it enjoys a terrific 4.8/5.0 overall rating. The resin can hold a temperature of 180°C and doesn’t deform up until that value.
Can Any 3D Printer Print with Resin?
No, not all 3D printers can print with resin since it requires a UV light to cure the photopolymer resin to harden it to a plastic. SLA, MSLA & DLP 3D printers all have a light source that emits through a screen which helps to cure the resin in a resin vat. FDM 3D printers use thermoplastic filament to create objects.
Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) is one of the multiple modern 3D printing techniques that use a liquid resin for 3D printing. SLA branches out to other similar methodologies of 3D printing, like DLP and MSLA, but the base ideology remains the same,
What basically happens is that the resin gets curated by UV light and therefore hardens to adopt a solid form. Only SLA 3D printers are equipped with UV lights and other components required to print with resin.
On the other end of the 3D printer spectrum, we have the technology of Fused Deposition Modeling, which, as mentioned earlier, uses a filament like PLA, ABS, TPU to 3D print.
It does not consist of the parts necessary for printing with resin, such as a powerful UV light source, a resin vat, and a tank where the resin accumulates.
You can read all about FDM and SLA 3D printers, including their major differences in my Resin vs Filament 3D Printers comparison article.
If you’re further interested, it’d be wise to check out the 7 cheapest and best SLA 3D printers that you can easily purchase today.
How Expensive is Resin for 3D Printing?
The cheapest resin for 3D printing costs around $30-$35 per KG like Elegoo Standard Resin, while more expensive resins can go for around $100 like the Monocure 3D Rapid Flex. The more expensive resins like dental or engineering resins can be $300 per KG from brands like Formlabs and Uniz.
3D printer manufacturers have kept pace with the changing economy of the world and therefore strive to produce high-quality products and make them affordable too.
For instance, Elegoo is one of the best 3D printer manufacturers—as described earlier—and has a number of top-notch resins that can be bought under a budget.
The Elegoo Standard Photopolymer Resin 1 Liter on Amazon is priced around $35. You might think that this price will get you a low-quality resin, but that isn’t the case anymore.
You can get high-quality resins at this price, and the Elegoo Standard is one of them. In addition to the pricing, one bottle of resin can last you for around one week to one month, depending on the usage.
For example, if you’re into miniatures and figures, a 500ml bottle of resin will keep you sorted for roughly 2 weeks, so you’re looking at a monthly expense of $70-$90, depending on the type of resin you buy.
If you want a more detailed analysis of 3D printing costs, I highly suggest reading the “Is 3D Printing Expensive or Affordable?” guide.
Is Filament Printing Cheaper Than Resin?
Yes, filament printing is cheaper than resin simply because FDM 3D printers are generally less expensive than SLA machines, and that filament can be bought cheaper than resin. There are additional costs with resin 3D printing too that you have to consider, such as purchasing protective gear and curing machines.
SLA 3D printers usually cost more because the quality of prints they produce is on a whole new level as compared to FDM 3D printing. As discussed in the previous section, a 1-liter bottle of standard resin costs about $35.
This is more than the cost of a 1kg filament spool, which can be bought for as low as $20. The costs are usually lesser with FDM 3D printing as you don’t necessarily have to purchase any protective equipment.
The same cannot be said for resin 3D printing as the uncured resin is quite dangerous when handled with bare hands, so you need Nitrile gloves and a respirator for safe breathing.
I wrote an article about the 23 Best & Useful Accessories for a Resin 3D Printer so you can see what kind of items are involved with resin printing.
SLA 3D printing is taken up by those who require extreme details in their parts, but the trade-off here is with cost and post-processing effort.
What Kind of Resin Is Used in Resin 3D Printing?
The kind of resin used in 3D printing is called photopolymer resin, which is a liquid that turns into plastic through a chemical reaction with UV light. Some people confuse epoxy resin with 3D printing resin, but that is a fundamentally different type of material. Gray photopolymer resin is the most popular color.
As described above, there are different types of resins such as Tough Resin, Water-Washable Resin, and Flexible Resin.
That said, many people often wonder what 3D printing resin is made of. The answer to this is that resins are actually a photosensitive combination of oligomers and monomers, both of which are multiple units of carbon molecules bonded together.
This is just the basic chemistry of 3D printer resin. The specific material properties vary from resin to resin, as some are modified to achieve specific results.
For instance, the water-washable resin is made in such a way that it can be easily post-processed with water. The same cannot be said about parts made with other types of resin, such as Ceramic-Filled or Tough Resin.
Choosing a liquid photopolymer for a 3D printer. Classification of materials for SLA/DLP 3D printing.
Contents:
- Introduction
- SLA Overview
- SLA Standard Resins
- Standard photopolymer resin - Standard
- Clear Photopolymer Resin - Clear
- Engineering photopolymer resins
- Rigid photopolymer resin - Tough (like ABS)
- Durable photopolymer resin - Durable (PP-like)
- Heat resistant photopolymer resin - Heat resistant
- Rubber-like photopolymer resin - Rubber-like (Elastic)
- Ceramic photopolymer resin - Ceramic filled (Hard)
- How to choose the right resin for your application
- Dental and medical SLA resins
- Medical Device Photopolymer Resin - Custom Medical Appliances (Class I Biocompatibility)
- Dental Long Term Biocompatible Resin (Class IIa Biocompatible)
- Biocompatibility class I vs biocompatibility class IIa
- Cast SLA resins
- Cast resin for jewelry making
- Generalized rules
Hello everyone, Friends! With you 3DTool!
This article compares photopolymer resins using Formlabs SLA 3D printing products –
Catalog of photopolymer 3D printers
Photopolymers from FormLabs
Detailed review of the Formlabs Form 3 3D printer
Introduction
The stereolithography prints plastic parts with high resolution, good fine detail and smooth surface. Due to the variety of photopolymer resins available for SLA, this technology is used in many different industries:
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"Standard" photopolymers are used for prototyping
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Engineering photopolymers have certain mechanical and thermal properties
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Dental and medical photopolymers have biocompatibility certificates.
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Cast photopolymers have a zero ash content after burning.
SLA 3D Printing Resin Overview
SLA uses a laser to cure a liquid photopolymer resin. This process is called photopolymerization. Various combinations of polymers and other additives that are part of the resin allow you to get different material properties.
The main advantages and limitations that are common to all resins in SLA 3D printing are:
Benefits:
Weaknesses:
Base Resins for SLA
Post-Processing SLA/DLP 3D Printing Article
Standard photopolymer resin - Standard
Standard resins produce parts with high stiffness, detail and a smooth surface. The low cost of resins, from $250 per liter, makes them ideal for prototypes.
The color of the resin also affects its properties. For example, in FormLabs products, gray resin is suitable for models with fine details, while white resin is suitable for parts that require an extremely smooth surface.
Benefits of using Standard grade resins:
Cons Standard:
Also included in the class of "Standard" photopolymer resins from FormLabs is the Color KIT - a set of special dyes and "Color Base" photopolymer resin for mixing and obtaining a variety of color solutions. This eliminates the need for painting parts after 3D printing.
FormLabs Engineering Photopolymer Resins
Engineering resins have a range of properties for injection molded plastics.
All engineering resins require additional UV curing, such as using the Form Cure, to achieve their maximum properties.
Tough photopolymer resin - Tough (ABS equivalent)
Tough resin was developed for models that need to withstand high loads and be durable.
This material produces strong, shatter-resistant parts and functional prototypes such as snap-on housings.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: functional prototypes, mechanical parts
Durable photopolymer resin - Durable
Durable resin is a wear-resistant and flexible material with mechanical properties similar to polypropylene.
Durable photopolymer produces models with a smooth glossy surface and high resistance to deformation.
Durable Resin is ideal for:
- Bushings and bearings;
- Various functional compounds
Pros:
Cons:
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Not suitable for thin wall parts (recommended minimum wall thickness 1mm)
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Low heat distortion temperature
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Low flexural strength (lower than hard resin)
Ideal for: functional prototypes.
Refractory Photopolymer Resin - Formlabs High Temp Resin
The heat resistant resin is ideal for parts that require high temperature resistance and operate at high temperatures.
Formlabs High Temp Resin provides the highest melting point (HDT): 238°C at 0.45 MPa.
The resin should be used to print detailed, accurate prototypes with high heat resistance.
Pros:
Cons:
Flexible Resin
Rubber-like resin allows flexible parts to be made. This material has a low tensile strength and high elongation at break and is well suited for parts that will be bent or compressed.
It can also be used to add ergonomic features to multi-material assemblies such as: dies, wearable prototypes, handles, pads and grips.
Pros:
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High flexibility (high elongation at break)
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Low hardness (simulates 80A durometer rubber)
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High impact resistance
Cons:
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Doesn't have all the properties of real rubber
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Requires extensive support structures
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Material properties deteriorate over time as the part is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight)
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Not suitable for thin wall parts (recommended minimum wall thickness 1mm)
Ideal for flexible prototyping.
Ceramic photopolymer resin - Rigid Resin
This resin is reinforced with glass, which provides very high rigidity and a polished surface. The polymer is very resistant to deformation and is excellent for 3D printing thin elements.
Ideal for: molds and tooling, jigs, manifolds, retainers, electrical and automotive fixture housings
Thermal management components printed with SLA ceramic (hard) resin. Image credit: Formlabs
How to choose the right resin for your application
The table below shows the main mechanical properties of photopolymers for SLA:
Source: Formlabs
Standard resin ( standart ) has high tensile strength but is very brittle (very low elongation at break) so it is not suitable for functional parts. The ability to create a good part surface makes it ideal for visual prototypes and art models.
Durable ( durable ) resin has the highest impact strength and elongation at break of any other SLA material. Best suited for prototyping parts with moving parts and latches. It lacks, however, the strength of thermoplastic 3D printing materials such as SLA nylon.
tough tough resin is a compromise between the material properties of tough and standard resin. It has a high tensile strength, so it is best suited for rigid parts that require high hardness.
heat resistant resin ( heat resistant ) can withstand temperatures above 200 o C, but has poor impact strength and is even more brittle than standard resin.
ceramic ( ceramic reinforce ) resin has the highest tensile strength and flexural modulus, but is brittle (poor elongation at break and toughness). This resin is preferred for thin wall parts that require increased rigidity.
The graphs below compare the mechanical properties of the most common SLA materials visually:
Comparison chart for elongation at break and toughness for common SLA printing specifications and standard media. Image courtesy of Formlabs.
Stress-strain curves for conventional SLA technologies and standard materials. Image credit: Formlabs
Pros:
Cons:
- Moderate wear and tear resistance
Ideal for: Surgical aids and appliances
Dental Long Term Biocompatible Resin - Dental Long Term (Class 2A Biocompatible)
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These resins are specially formulated for long term dental fixtures. Class 2A biocompatible resins can come into contact with the human body for up to a year.
High resistance to breakage and wear make this resin ideal for making rigid cotter pins or retainers.
Pros:
Cons:
-
High price
Ideal for: durable dental instruments, fracture and wear resistant medical parts, rigid cotter pins, retainers
What is the difference between class 1 and class 2a biocompatibility?
Class 1 biocompatibility rules apply to materials that are allowed to be used for:
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non-invasive devices that come into contact with intact skin
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devices for temporary use or short-term use in the mouth or ear canal or in the nasal cavity
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reusable surgical instruments
Class 2a biocompatibility rules apply to materials that are allowed to be used for:
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devices that come into contact with bodily fluids or open wounds
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devices used to introduce substances into or remove substances from the human body
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invasive short-term devices such as invasive surgical items
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long-term implantable devices placed in the teeth
Photopolymer resins in SLA 3D printing for jewelers
Jewelry resins
This material allows you to print models with fine details and a smooth surface without leaving ash or residue after burning.
Cast resin allows you to get the finished product directly from design to precision casting with just one 3D printed part. It is suitable for making jewelry and other small and complex components.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: investment casting, jewelry making
SLA/DLP 3D printer catalog
Photopolymers from FormLabs
Post-Processing SLA/DLP 3D Printing Article
Well, that's all we have! We hope this article was useful for you!
You can order Formlabs SLA 3D printers or ask your questions and find out the status of your order, you can
- Email: [email protected]
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Types of resins for photopolymer 3D printer, characteristics, application
In recent years, the introduction of photopolymer printers in various areas of production is gaining more and more popularity. In order for the printer to reach its full potential, it is necessary to choose the right material - photopolymer resin.
Now there is a wide variety of resins designed to solve a wide range of problems. Sometimes it can be difficult not to get confused in such a variety of materials. It is conditionally possible to divide photopolymer resins into several types - standard, engineering, dental, jewelry (burned).
Standard resins
Standard resins are well suited for making decorative models. They are strong and hard enough for making miniatures, master models, paintable figures or mock-ups, but their strength is usually not strong enough for functional products.
But standard resins are different from each other. Some of them can be washed not with alcohol, but with plain water, there are transparent types of resins or, for example, with a wide color palette.
Standard
Compared to other types of photopolymers, standard resins have a richer color palette. The main advantages are an inexpensive price, good detail and fast curing time.
ESUN Standard
A good resin for professionals and beginners who are just getting acquainted with photopolymer printing. The advantages of ESUN Standard are a large palette of colors, no smell and fast printing speed.
ESUN Standard is suitable for printing decorative models or any other product that will not be subjected to heavy physical exertion.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-405nm (transparent 395-410nm)
Shore hardness: 80-82 D
Impact strength according to Izod: 18 - 40 J/m
Bending strength: 46-72 Mpa
Modulus of elasticity: 1000 - 1400 MPa
Elongation at break: 28-35%
Exposure time per layer (recommended): 5-10 sec.
Color palette: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, light green, flesh, orange, transparent.
Volume: 0. 5 kg, 1 liter.
Deadpool figurine
Bust of a military man
Moving castle, miniature
Users note good detailing, a good balance of strength and light elasticity, and excellent adhesion to the platform. The print time of the layer corresponds to the one declared by the manufacturer (5-10s) even on 3D printers with a weak UV source.
Of the minuses - sometimes the resin can be difficult to stir and a fine suspension comes across. This does not reduce print quality, but it does make me nervous. The gray color is slightly transparent, many users would like the color to be more “dense”.
ESUN eResin-PLA
eResin-PLA is based on PLA monomer, familiar to many from FDM printing. This makes the resin environmentally friendly and the finished product very tough and scratch resistant.
Resin is well suited for decorative items, master models or functional models without load.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-405nm
Shore hardness: 75-80 D
Elongation at break: 20-50%
Modulus of elasticity: 600 - 800 MPa
Impact strength according to Izod: 15 - 32 J/m
Tensile strength: 35-50 Mpa
Exposure time per layer (recommended): 15-20 sec.
Color palette: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, light green, flesh, orange, transparent.
Volume: 1 liter
Shoe model
Figurine cartoon girl
Play miniature
Non-standard focusing rings for lens
Phrozen Aqua 4K
The Phrozen Aqua 4K is specifically designed to unlock the full potential of 4K photopolymer printers. A pleasant bonus is the almost complete absence of shrinkage.
Resin is well suited for precision printing of decorative models. The manufacturer specifies that all properties of the resin are revealed when using printers with high resolution, such as Sonic Mini 4K / Sonic Mighty 4K.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-405nm
Shore hardness: 77 D
Color palette: gray, ivory.
Volume: 1 kg
Armor printed in gray resin Phrozen Aqua 4K
Bust Predator
Figurine war with a bear, to demonstrate the capabilities of Phrozen Aqua 4K
Phrozen Beige Low Irritation
This resin is hypoallergenic. Phrozen Beige Low-Irritation has passed the ISO-10993 10 test, which means that the resin does not contain heavy metals and the finished models can directly contact the human body.
The resin can be used in dentistry or for products that will come into contact with the skin.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-405nm
Color palette: beige
Volume: 0. 5 kg
Decorative figurine
Jaw
ESUN Precession Model
Resin is designed for fast printing of high-precision models. In addition, finished products are tough and can withstand heat up to 80 degrees.
ESUN Precession Model is a good choice for models that need high detail.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 85 D
Elongation at break: 12.1%
Bending strength: 77 Mpa
Tensile strength: 335-410 Mpa
Color palette: red.
Volume: 1 liter
DC Universe Riddler Head
Miniature model of ICE
Clear resins
Clear resins are present in other photopolymer ranges, but may become yellow or cloudy over time. If optical transparency without yellowness is important in the finished model, then you should pay attention to special polymers.
Phrozen SC-801 Clear
The main advantage of Phrozen SC-801 Clear is its optical transparency. Models made from Phrozen SC-801 Clear do not become cloudy or yellow during post-curing and during use.
This photopolymer is suitable for the manufacture of durable and accurate models for which optical transparency is important.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 70 D
Color palette: transparent
Volume: 1 liter
Material transparency model
Left product made of Phrozen SC-801 Clear, right RESINMAGIC3D High-Grade Clear
Figure printed with Phrozen SC-801 Clear
Miniature bottles printed for a articulated doll. Left made from Phrozen SC-801 Clear, right made from another polymer.
Washable
Finished models made on a photopolymer printer are recommended to be washed from photopolymer residues with alcohol. There are situations where this is not acceptable, such as when the printer is being used in schools. For such cases, manufacturers have created the Washable line. Washable are resins that can be washed with plain water.
ESUN Water Washable
ESUN Water Washable is as strong and precise as ESUN Standard resins. The only difference is that the finished product can be washed not with alcohol, but with plain water.
ESUN Water Washable is well suited for printing at home or in educational institutions due to its low toxicity and odorlessness.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-410 nm
Shore hardness: 76 D
Tensile strength: 68 MPa
Elongation at break: 5-10%
Bending strength: 45-70 MPa
Modulus of elasticity in bending: 900-1400 MPa
Izod impact strength: 18-39 J/m
Color palette: white, transparent, flesh, gray, black.
Volume: 0. 5 kg
Rings and pendant printed in clear ESUN Water Washable
Fox figurine
Phrozen Water Washable
Phrozen Water Washable compares favorably with other water-washable resins in terms of strength, durability, and short flash-over time.
The resin is suitable for making prototypes and other models at home and in educational institutions where it is undesirable to use strong-smelling alcohols for washing.
Print Technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 80 D
Color palette: gray, black.
Volume: 1 kg
Bust made from Phrozen Water Washable
Alien printed from Phrozen Water Washable
Bust of Spiderman
Wanhao Water washable
It is a resin with high resolution and good hardness. Wanhao Water washable has very little shrinkage and a wide range of colors.
Resin is well suited for printing master models and decorative models when it is not possible to use alcohol to wash the final product.
Print Technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395~420nm
Shore hardness: 75D
Color palette: white, transparent, black, gray
Volume: 0.5 kg, 1 kg
Han Solo in transparent Wanhao Water washable
Test model of transparent Wanhao Water washable
Test patterns in different colors Wanhao Water washable
Engineering
Previously, photopolymer printers were mainly used for making master models and products with high accuracy. Now they face a wider range of tasks. It is much more convenient to make a ready-made, functional model right away. For this, engineering photopolymer resins with improved characteristics have been developed. Depending on the application required, they can be harder, heat resistant and durable than standard resins.
Reinforced
These are polymers with improved characteristics - for example, high heat resistance or impact strength. They can be used to produce functional prototypes, engineering models, etc.
Phrozen TR250-LV
The Phrozen TR250-LV has been specifically designed to meet engineering challenges. In addition to high strength and hardness, the resin has increased heat resistance and can withstand heating up to 150 degrees.
The Phrozen TR250-LV is suitable for the production of models for subsequent thermoforming or products that require increased heat resistance.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 79D
Tensile strength 25 MPa
Izod impact strength: 6.31 kJ/m2
Color palette: gray
Volume: 1 kg
Jaw Layout
Orc Bust
Phrozen ABS-like
This resin is similar in characteristics to ABS plastic, familiar to many from FDM printing. There is a white color in the palette, this allows, if necessary, to easily paint the finished product.
Phrozen ABS-like is suitable for printing functional models and prototypes.
Print Technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 79D
Izod Impact Strength: 2.32 kJ/m2
Color palette: gray, white
Volume: 1 kg
Skull Model
Weapons for miniature figures
1/4 mask
Phrozen Rock-Black Stiff
When creating Rock-Black Stiff, emphasis was placed on strength, wear resistance and heat resistance (up to 97 degrees). Models are strong and slightly flexible to withstand shock loads.
Print Technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 81D
Elongation at break: 4%
Izod impact strength: 2. 68 kJ/m2
Color palette: black
Volume: 1 kg
Elf bust
Bust printed in Phrozen Rock-Black Stiff
Phrozen Nylon Green Tough
Photopolymer is an analogue of nylon. Nylon is a very strong and wear-resistant material, familiar to many from FDM printing. Products are very durable and resistant to stress. Finished models printed in Nylon Green Tough can be folded.
Suitable for the manufacture of finished products or functional prototypes.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 68D
Elongation at break: 130%
Tensile strength: 19 MPa
Izod impact strength: 23.79 kJ/m2
Color palette: green
Volume: 1 kg
Phrozen Nylon Green Tough Vase
Test model
Spectacle frame
Phrozen TR300 Ultra-High Temp
TR300 Ultra-High Temp allows you to quickly produce durable, shock and heat resistant products (up to 160 degrees). The photopolymer compares favorably with its competitors by its short exposure time (on 3D printers of the Phrozen Sonic series, 1.3 seconds per layer).
Phrozen TR300 is suitable for the manufacture of heat-resistant and durable products. For example, it can be a model for subsequent thermoforming or manufacturing an industrial layout.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 80D
Tensile strength: 32 MPa
Izod impact strength: 8 kJ/m2
Elongation at break: 2%
Color palette: gray
Volume: 1 kg
Phrozen Onyx Rigid Pro410
The main properties of models made from Onyx Rigid Pro410 are amazing detailing and durability. The resin was developed in partnership with Henkel and is intended primarily for home workshops.
Photopolymer is perfect for models with an abundance of small details that need high detail. Or for engineering/functional models where high accuracy and strength are important.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Color Palette: Black
Volume: 1 kg
Tablet stand
Fruit vase
Wall mounted spice holder
Wall hanger
Flexible
Products made from such resins will look like silicone or rubber. Such photopolymers make it possible to obtain flexible and durable functional products resistant to tearing.
Phrozen Biege Flex
This is a resin designed for products that need to be strong and slightly flexible. Phrozen Biege Flex is suitable for functional models that need some flexibility.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 65D
Tensile strength: 40 MPa
Modulus of elasticity: 192 MPa
Color palette: beige
Volume: 0. 5 kg
Bust of Harley Quinn
Miniature from Phrozen Biege Flex
Functional carabiner
HARZ Labs Industrial Flex
By its properties, finished products from HARZ Labs Industrial Flex resemble polyurethane. Products from it are elastic and very durable.
HARZ Labs Industrial Flex is suitable for the manufacture of gaskets or any other model where softness and tensile strength are important.
Industrial Flex can be used as an additive for other HARZ Labs resins. This allows you to increase the flexibility and strength of the finished model. Depending on the resin ratio, different degrees of flexibility can be achieved in the finished product.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 63D
Shrinkage: 0.5%
Elongation at break: 103%
Tensile strength: 13 N/mm2
Color palette: transparent
Volume: 0. 5kg 1kg
Various gaskets printed from HARZ Labs Industrial Flex
ESUN Flex
Flexible and durable material with good wear resistance. Good tear resistance and accuracy make ESUN Flex suitable for engineering models.
For example, products that must be strong and flexible at the same time. These can be engineering prototypes or functional models.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 85-90 A
Shrinkage: 6.9%
Elongation at break: 100-150%
Bending strength: 77 Mpa
Tensile strength: 390-320 kN-m
Color palette: transparent yellow
Volume: 0.5 kg
Test model from ESUN Flex
Dental resins
From the very beginning of its existence, photopolymer printers have taken the place of indispensable assistants in the dental industry, therefore, in the assortment of many companies that manufacture photopolymer resins, there are materials intended for use by dentists.
Special photopolymers
These are special polymers that are focused on solving specific problems. No one forbids using them for other than their intended purpose, but they fully reveal their potential precisely in the task for which they were created.
Harz Labs Dental Soft
Dental Soft was created as a material to simulate gums in demonstration models. The finished print is pink in color and has high strength and chemical resistance. Despite its flexibility, the finished model will be resistant to deformation. Harz Labs Dental Soft is certified for medical use.
The material is suitable for gum printing or other medical applications.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 87-90D
Shrinkage: <0.5%
Elongation at break: 68%
Tensile strength: 1.2 N/mm2
Color palette: pink
Volume: 0.5 kg, 1 kg
Gums from Harz Labs Dental Soft
Gums from Harz Labs Dental Soft
NextDent Gingiva Mask
Another gum simulation resin from NextDent. Gingiva Mask is a flexible and durable resin that blends beautifully with model material.
The resin is suitable for various models in the dental industry.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 60 - 75 A
Elongation at break: 40 - 60%
Color palette: pink
Volume: 1 kg
Gingiva made from NextDent Gingiva Mask
Part of the gum made from NextDent Gingiva Mask
Jaw Demo with NextDent Gingiva Mask Inserts
Harz Labs Dental Clear
Products from this resin are durable and hard. The main feature is the resin is transparent, without turbidity and yellowness. Harz Labs Dental Clear is certified for medical use.
This photopolymer is suitable for the manufacture of surgical templates, demonstration models and even aligners.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 90-92D
Elongation at break: 4-6%
Shrinkage: less than 0.5%
Color palette: transparent
Volume: 0.5 kg, 1 kg
Jaw Demo Model
Piece of jaw printed from Harz Labs Dental Clear
Dental Yellow Clear
Very similar in its properties to Harz Labs Dental Clear - just as strong and hard. The only difference is that the color of the resin is not crystal clear, but yellow. The resin is certified for use in medicine.
Dental Yellow Clear is suitable for making aligners or demonstration models.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 90-92D
Elongation at break: 4-6%
Shrinkage: less than 0.5%
Color palette: transparent yellow
Volume: 0. 5 kg, 1 kg
Gingiva pad made of Dental Yellow Clear
Jaw models
Dental Yellow Clear Demonstration Product
Burnout
In addition to specialized resins, dentistry needs low-ash burnable or smelted materials for direct casting.
Before casting, be sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer. Each resin has its own burnout cycle in order to obtain a good casting quality.
ESUN Castable Dental
ESUN Castable is designed for direct casting in dentistry. Finished products are smooth and hard. When burning, the ash content is practically absent.
High precision allows ESUN Castable to be used for crowns, bridges and other castings.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 80D
Elongation at break: 11-20%
Bending strength: 49-58 Mpa
Impact strength according to Izod: 44 - 49 J/m
Color palette: green
Volume: 1 kg
Crowns printed from ES
ESUN Castable jaw
Example of printed and molded model
Phrozen Wax-like Dental Green
Wax-like Dental Green is a waxy resin with low shrinkage and zero ash content. Due to the low shrinkage, the finished products are very accurate, and the matte surface will help to see even small imperfections.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Color palette: green
Volume: 0.5 kg
Ring made from Phrozen Wax-like Dental Green
HARZ Labs Dental Cast Cherry
HARZ Labs Dental Cast Cherry was developed for direct casting of dental products. With the correct burnout cycle, it is possible to achieve almost zero ash content. The photopolymer is certified for medical use.
Dental Cast Cherry is suitable for casting metal or ceramic crowns and bridges.
The manufacturer recommends the use of phosphate-based phytomass, because they can be used at high temperatures, which are required for high-quality burning of the model.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 40-50D
Shrinkage: less than 1%
Color palette: red
Volume: 1 kg
Crown models printed with Dental Cast Cherry
Cast crowns
NextDent Cast
It is an easy-to-burn-out resin with zero ash content. Designed for the manufacture of burn-out dental models.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Shore hardness: 80-90D:
Color palette: red
Volume: 1 kg
Crowns made from NextDent Cast
Demo Model
DETAX Freeprint cast UV
High precision resin designed for fast manufacturing of dental products. Finished products can be used for direct casting. DETAX Freeprint cast UV burns out ashless even with large casting volumes. For molding, it is recommended to use phosphate-based masses.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 378-388 nm
Color palette: red
Volume: 1 kg
Overlay made of DETAX Freeprint cast UV
Crowns made from DETAX Freeprint cast UV
Burnout resins
In addition to dentistry, 3D printers have firmly established themselves in the jewelry industry. 3D printing allows you to create complex products much faster than classical methods (manual wax cutting, CNC machine). Burnt-out resins were created especially for jewelers.
ESUN Castable for jewelers
Photopolymer specially designed for printing and casting small models with high detail. Products from ESUN Castable are smooth, and almost zero ash content makes it easy to get the desired product in the metal.
The resin is suitable for printing jewelry - rings, pendants, earrings and for other burn-out models, in which precision and perfect surface quality are important.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 395-405nm
Shore hardness: 60 D
Color palette: yellow, green
Volume: 1 kg
Ring printed from ESUN Castable
Ring from ESUN Castable
Phrozen Wax-like Castable Violet
Waxy polymer with low shrinkage and zero ash content. Products made of Phrozen Wax-like Castable Violet have a nice matte surface, which will show the slightest imperfections.
Wax-like Castable is suitable for making any castable models.
Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
UV wavelength: 405 nm
Color palette: purple
Volume: 0.5 kg
Ring printed in Wax-like Castable and finished casting
Wax-like Castable Openwork Rings and Precast Castings
Wax-like Castable pendant and finished product
HARZ Labs Jewelry J-Cast
This is a photopolymer designed for the manufacture of burn-out models for subsequent casting in metal. High precision, low shrinkage (less than 1%) and low ash content (less than 0.1%) make it possible to print even very small products without distortion.
HARZ Labs Jewelry J-Cast is suitable for printing jewelry. Due to its high thermoplasticity, the photopolymer can be burned out over a wide temperature range.