3D Resin. Resins for 3D printing

3D resin – or synthetic resin – is a liquid plastic that allows curing with UV rays. These materials are used in additive manufacturing as they are, in practice, a photosensitive material: in contact with the laser it transforms into a solid model. Printing techniques involving 3D resin enable the production of components that require finesse, precision and attention to detail.

What is the difference between 3D resin and 3D filament?

When talking about additive manufacturing, you need to know two terms: FDM (Fused deposition modeling) and SLA (stereolithography). FDM is based on filament 3D printing, while SLA – resin 3D. The main difference is the precision of the final piece: 3D resin gives us a much more finely crafted and precise final product. However, FDM technology allows you to print much larger parts than 3D resin. Both materials have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the desired result.

What is ALS?

SLA – stereolithography – is a printing technology that involves transforming a liquid resin into a solid form using an ultraviolet laser. This technology is not among the most convenient, but the precision of the pieces created is perfect, as is the printing speed and the final appearance of the piece. Stereolithography is the ideal technology for complex, detailed parts that require finesse and precision.

Types of 3D resin

The additive manufacturing industry relies on different types of resin:

• • standard resin

• • gray resin

• • Mammoth resin, which allows printing of large parts

• • transparent resin

• • high detail resin

• • high temperature resin

Here are also some concrete examples of 3D resins:

1. 1. Elegoo 3D quick resin

affordable price, adequate consistency, ideal for post-processing;
it is not as precise as other resins, being rather fragile

2. 2. Siraya Tech Tough Blue

an impact-resistant 3D resin, more aesthetic than others, with excellent precision and fineness;
how much does it cost It is more expensive than other resins.

3. 3. Formlabs at high temperature

ideal for fine pieces, very high thermal resistance

4. 4. Formlabs castable wax

contains wax, for much easier and more precise casting
ideal for jewelry and requires no post-processing;

5. 5. Formlabs dental resin

specially created for dental technology
malleable, safe, requires post-treatment and guarantees biocompatibility

6. 6. Formlabs dental model

specially created for dental technology
requires post-treatment

Which 3D resin to choose depending on your 3D printer

It is important to choose the right 3D resin for the type of printer you have, but also based on the results you want to achieve. If it is possible to exchange filaments with FDM printing technology, this is not possible in the case of SLA printing.

The resins used are constructed to have only one main attribute, therefore only one successful end use. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing resin for your 3D printer:

• • the quality final: some resins will generate finer components than others;

• • SUSTAINABILITY: highly durable resins are less elastic and more subject to breakage;

• • flexibility:

• • transparency: if your final product needs to be transparent, you will need to choose a transparent resin;

• • biocompatibility: if resin is used to obtain medical equipment it is necessary to choose a biocompatible one;

• • budget.

As for the type of resin you choose for your print, here’s a quick guide:

• • High Temp resins are compatible with Form 3L, Form 3B, Form 3BL, Form 3, Form 2 prints;

• • Castable Wax resin is compatible with Form 3, Form 3B and Form 2;

• • Dental SG resin is compatible exclusively with Form 2 and Form 3B;

• • The dental model resin is compatible with Form 3, Form 3B, Form 3L, Form 3BL and Form 2

In which sectors can 3D resins be used?

Additive manufacturing appears as a reliable ally of the modern world; from medicine to the food industry, 3D printing is making itself felt in more and more sectors of activity:

Engineering

In engineering, hard, strong and highly impact-resistant resins are needed; in this field, SLA additive manufacturing is recommended in several applications:

• • components under pressure;

• • parts subject to cyclic forces;

• • joints;

• • hinges.

In jewelry manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is nothing new to the world of jewelry, an industry that is making the most of 3D printing. 3D resin for jewelry making must first of all be extremely temperature resistant in order to be deformable and malleable. Parts that can be made using additive manufacturing include:

• • rings, necklaces, earrings;

• • clasps for jewellery;

• • delicate pieces: thin walls, filigree, paved geometries.

Dental technique

Dentistry benefits from the help of additive manufacturing; Furthermore, there have also been resins dedicated to professionals in the dental sector. Applications of 3D resin in dentistry include:

• • bruxism appliances;

• • invisible dental appliances;

• • temporary jobs;

• • dental crowns;

• • tops with removable moulds.