While many people are familiar with FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) as talked about in another post, another 3d printing method uses a completely different material, a liquid resin. 3D printing resin is used in serval types of 3d printers like SLA (Stereolithography), DLP (Digital Light Processing) and MSLA (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus). MSLA is now the most common resin 3D printer uses and is the type of technology used in the 3D printers we sell at 3D Cast
What is 3D Printing Resin?
3D printing resin is a liquid photopolymer that hardens when exposed to specific wavelengths (405nw) of light, usually ultraviolet light. This light-sensitive liquid is used in resin based 3D printers, which build objects layer by layer using a light source to cure, solidify the resin.
Unlike filament printing, which extrudes melted plastic through a nozzle, resin printing offers higher precision and finer details. This makes it ideal for intricate models, miniatures, dental appliances, jewellery prototypes and other high-detail applications.
Types of 3D Printing Resin
There are several types of resins available, each designed for different uses:
- Standard Resin: This is the most used type for general-purpose printing. It offers a good balance of detail, strength, and affordability. However, it can be brittle and is not always suitable for mechanical parts.
- High Resolution Resin: This resin is used when your model has the most ultra details that required to be printed.
- Engineering Resin: Designed to mimic the properties of ABS plastic, this resin is less brittle and better suited for functional parts that require impact resistance or flexibility.
- Flexible Resin: As the name suggests, this resin remains somewhat rubbery after curing, making it ideal for applications where flexibility is needed, such as gaskets, grips, or wearable components.
- Castable Resin: Used primarily in jewellery and dental industries, castable resins burn out cleanly during the casting process, leaving behind a precise mould for metal casting.
- High Temperature Resin: High-temperature resins are engineered to withstand extreme heat without deforming.
- Biocompatible Resin: This medical-grade resin is safe for use in dental or surgical applications and meets strict safety and sterilization standards.
What 3d Printing Resin Should I choose?
Not sure what 3d printing resin you should be using? Read this post on which 3d printing resin to choose.