Which resins exist for 3D printing?

Imagine having the power in your hands to create anything you can imagine, bringing unique and sophisticated objects to life right from your desk. All this is possible thanks to a revolutionary technology: 3D printing. Whether you are a passionate hobbyist or a professional looking for new solutions, this tool offers endless possibilities to turn your ideas into tangible designs. Just as an artist selects his colours and brushes to create a work of art, choosing a suitable material is crucial in 3D printing. And among these materials, resin is a versatile and practical option for shaping your designs. But with so many different resins on the market, how can you find the perfect one for your needs? In this article, we will guide you through the fascinating world of 3D printing resin types, from their properties to their applications, to help you make the right choice. Come on, let’s explore together!

Low odour resins

Low-odour resins are ideal for those seeking a comfortable and pleasant 3D printing environment. These special resins are formulated to minimise unpleasant odours during printing, making work more pleasurable for the user.

Vegetable-based resin, made from soybean oil, is an example of this resin type. It is free of harmful chemicals and ensures odour-free printing, model stability, and safety. Additionally, it produces high-quality results with smooth surfaces and highly accurate details.

Resistant resins for 3D printing

Resistant resins for 3D printing are ideal for those looking for materials that can withstand mechanical stress and impact. Liqcreate Clear Impact Tough-X, Premium Tough, and other resins of varying stiffness and impact resistance are among the available options.

These materials enable the creation of objects with excellent mechanical properties suitable for applications in demanding environments or functional components. The compatibility of tough resins varies depending on the 3D printer, so it is essential to inquire about your device’s specific requirements.

Strong vs. tough resins

Solid and rigid resins are two materials used in 3D printing, characterised by different mechanical properties. Strong resins are known for their high strength and stiffness, which makes them ideal for creating objects that withstand heavy loads and mechanical stress.

On the other hand, tough resins are characterised by their flexibility and durability. Due to polymers’ modified chemical structure, these materials are less brittle and more resistant to breakage. They are particularly suitable for making components requiring higher bending and shock-absorbing capacity. However, this flexibility can negatively affect other properties, such as tensile strength and temperature resistance.

3D printing resin categories

Several categories of resin differ in their characteristics and applications in 3D printing. These include standard resins suitable for making models and prototypes with good detail and surface finish.

Engineering resins have superior mechanical properties, such as high strength, flexibility or thermal stability, making them ideal for functional parts. Castable resins are used in producing jewellery and artistic objects, allowing models to be cast in metal.

Finally, biocompatible resins are designed for medical or dental applications, ensuring safety and compatibility with the human body. In conclusion, choosing the suitable resin for your 3D printing project depends on your specific needs and the end use of the created part.

Resin polymerisation process

The resin polymerisation process is a crucial element in 3D printing. During this stage, the light-sensitive resin is exposed to a UV light source, which causes it to cure, layer by layer, until the desired object is formed. Polymerisation occurs optimally when a polymerisation degree of more than 95 per cent is reached, thus ensuring the material’s best physical and mechanical properties.

After printing, the manufactured parts require post-curing, which involves exposure to UV light and higher temperatures to reach their full potential. This step is essential to obtain the optimal properties of the prints and consolidate their structure. Typically, a particular post-cure unit is used, which combines UV light and controlled temperature to ensure a uniform and effective treatment of the printed part.

3D printing SLA resin

3D printing with SLA resin is a technology that is highly appreciated for its precision and the detail it allows in the models produced. SLA printers use a laser to polymerise the resin, layer by layer, creating 3D objects with a high level of detail and a smooth surface.

There are different resins for SLA 3D printing, including standard resins, suitable for the most common applications and available in various colours. Other specialised resins offer specific properties, such as increased strength, flexibility, or characteristics ideal for engineering and dentistry.

Choosing the most suitable resin for the object you want to produce is crucial. You must consider compatibility with the 3D printer you are using and the project’s specific requirements.

DLP 3D resin printing

3D printing with DLP resin is a popular technique for its ability to produce objects with a high level of detail and precision. Thanks to the use of light screens and specific resin wavelengths, this technology offers significant advantages over other 3D printing methods.

For example, DLP resins have a longer wavelength than SLA resins, making them particularly suitable for producing detailed and complex parts. Furthermore, the wide range of resins available allows for experimentation with various materials and colours, making DLP resin 3D printing a versatile and effective solution for multiple applications.

Advantages of using 3D printing resins

Using resins for 3D printing offers numerous advantages regarding quality and results. Prominent among these is the remarkable precision and detail achieved in printed parts due to the smaller layer width compared to other printing techniques, such as FDM. In addition, the surface finishes obtained with resins are smoother and free of imperfections, making the final product more aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Another advantage of resins is the wide range of materials available, allowing the most suitable solution to be chosen according to the project’s specific needs. For example, some resins offer unique characteristics, such as high impact resistance, flexibility, heat resistance, or even antibacterial properties. This makes resins particularly suitable for professional applications and sectors such as industry, architecture, medicine and design.

Finally, using resins for 3D printing allows for faster production speeds, thanks to the rapid curing of photosensitive materials subjected to light sources such as lasers or UV light. This process reduces printing time and increases the efficiency of part production.