Discover how resin 3D printing works in this beginner-friendly quick guide! Learn the process, benefits, and essential tips to getting high-detail 3D prints at home or office.
What Is Resin 3D Printing?
So what is resin 3D printing you’re asking? Resin 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that uses liquid photopolymer resin cured by light to create highly detailed 3D objects. Unlike filament-based 3D printing, resin printing offers smoother surfaces and much finer resolution, making it ideal for miniatures, prototypes, and precision parts and a quicker print time
Types of Resin 3D Printing
- SLA (Stereolithography)
- DLP (Digital Light Processing)
- LCD (Masked Stereolithography or MSLA)
All of these technologies cure resin layer by layer using a UV light, resulting in crisp, detailed prints. All the resin 3d printers we sell at 3D Cast are of the MSLA type which is now hugely popular.
How Resin 3D Printing Works: Step by Step
1. Have Your 3D Model
Start by creating or downloading a model in STL or OBJ format. Use slicing software to prepare the file and generate supports. This is where you also can change your printer settings to get that perfect model surface finish.
2. Prepare the Printer
- Pour resin into the vat.
- Turn the printer On.
- Upload the saved file from the slicing software via wi-fi or usb depending on your printer capabilities.
- Select the file and let it print
3. What’s happening while it’s printing
- A UV light source passes through the LCD screen and cures the resin for each layer.
- The build plate lifts between layers.
- Fresh resin flows in, and the process repeats.
4. Post-Processing
- Wash prints in a cleaning solution like Resinaway. The best and easiest way to wash your resin 3D printed parts is in a wash station.
- Place the printed part in a cure station. UV light will cure any tiny uncured resin particles.
- Remove supports and finish the model again in the UV station.
A great product solution for washing and curing your resin 3d printed parts easily is the Phrozen Wash & Cure Station.
Benefits of Resin 3D Printing
- Ultra-High Detail: Perfect for miniatures, jewellery, and dental models.
- Smooth Surfaces: Less visible layer lines compared to FDM printing. With the correct printer settings and resin you can achieve a mould injection surface quality part.
- Specialized Materials: Resins with flexible, tough, or heat-resistant properties.
Things to Know Before You Start
- Safety First: Always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
- Extra Steps: Washing and UV curing are essential for the perfect and usable part.
Beginner Tips & Troubleshooting for Resin Printing
✔️ Use Proper Supports
- Angle models at 10-45°
- Support overhangs generously
✔️ Calibrate Exposure Settings
- Run test prints to fine-tune layer exposure.
✔️ Keep Equipment Clean
- Clean the vat, build plate, and tools after every print.
✔️Monitor FEP Film Condition
- Replace if cloudy or punctured. This is the film that sits on the bottom of the vat that allows the UV light to hit the resin.
✔️ Cure Fully
- Wash off uncured resin and UV-cure thoroughly. This important as it can lead to the model cracking or being sticky.
❌ Don’t Overfill the Resin Vat
- Add just enough resin to avoid spills. You can top up the resin while it’s printing.
Final Thoughts: Is Resin 3D Printing Right for You?
If you value high detail and surface quality or you want quicker printing time, resin 3D printing is absolutely worth the extra steps. By understanding the process and following best practices, even beginners can create professional-looking models at home or in the office.
Resin 3d printing can also provide businesses with time and money savings in their research and development of new products by not having to go through the expense tooling process each time they make a design change to their product.
Ready to bring your designs to life with stunning detail? Master resin printing, and your creations will stand out from the rest!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
✅ Is resin 3D printing better than FDM?
Resin 3D printing offers much higher detail and smoother surfaces than FDM (filament) printing. It's ideal for miniatures, jewellery and prototypes. However, FDM is generally cheaper, faster, and easier to handle for larger prints.
✅ How long does it take to cure resin prints?
Initial prints need a UV post-cure lasting between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on size and resin type. Remove supports from the part and then wash and cure again to ensure that perfect part. Always ensure prints are fully cured to prevent softness and deformation over time.
✅ Is resin printing safe to do at home?
Yes, but safety precautions are essential. Always wear gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and avoid direct skin contact with liquid resin. Proper handling and post-processing make home resin printing very safe.
✅ Can I print large objects with a resin printer?
Resin printers excel at small to medium-sized objects with fine details. Printing large models is possible, but requires a printer with a bigger build volume like the Phrozen Sonic MEGA 8k S.
✅ What’s the best resin 3D printer for beginners?
This really depends on what are your 3d printing goals you want to achieve, in the long run it’s better to buy a good quality printer that will fewer print failures and better looking printed parts. 3D Cast can guide you through choosing the right 3d printer.
Still got questions about resin 3d printing?
Sure just send us an email or use the contact form and we will get back to you with the answers.
Checkout our other blog post where I quick run through my weekend of 3d printing a part for a personal project here.