Different types of resins used in photopolymerization 3D printing

Choosing a suitable raw material is a fundamental step in the printing process for all additive manufacturing processes. This is particularly important in resin 3D printing, where the photosensitive material is cured layer by layer until the final high-precision part is formed. In addition, the choice of resin also depends on the photopolymerization process used. One is stereolithography technology, also known as SLA, which uses lasers to cure materials, and the other is DLP and LCD methods, which use light display. In order to better understand the currently available material choices, this article summarizes the types of resins used in the market for UV cured 3D printing processes and their different characteristics.

It should be noted that the performance of the resin is determined by the optimal polymerization induced by light curing, and the curing light can be single wave or multi wave. This is where the concept of resin wavelength comes into play. The lower the wavelength level of the resin, the higher the light output power required for curing. It is for this reason that manufacturers specify a wavelength that their resin can be compatible with. Therefore, the wavelength of DLP/LCD resin is generally larger than that of SLA resin.

Standard 3D printing resin

The standard type of 3D printing resin is the most common and widely used resin material in the market. Almost all manufacturers have developed standard resins, so you can buy them anywhere at an affordable price and with multiple colors to choose from. They are a very versatile choice because the parts printed with this resin have smooth and fine characteristics, as well as considerable hardness, requiring only simple post-processing processes such as painting and polishing. However, caution must be exercised when using parts printed with standard resins as they are brittle, prone to breakage and cracking. Its accessibility and ease of use make it an ideal choice for entry-level and manufacturing decorations, prototypes, figurines, and more in the resin 3D printing world.

Transparent resin

Transparent resin is very similar to standard resin, which is useful in manufacturing small objects with high precision, but it has an additional characteristic of appearing semi transparent and colorless. In addition to being easy to polish and subsequently spray paint, it also allows you to create glass like effects for various decorations, all of which have the same smooth and soft texture as standard resins. It should be noted that although transparent resin is not recommended for use in the food industry, these components can be applied in the waterproof field.