Resin 3D printing can be a bit different than what you might consider normal 3D printing. Most of the Best 3D Printers Prints can be made using a material called filament, while others use reactive resin for intricate designs.
The printers make use of a special UV resin. It comes in many colors and chemical compositions. Each can produce a unique type of result. Although you won’t need them every day, there are many specialty resins available that can help you find the right product. We have put together this list of the best resins to help you choose. Our team will continue to update the list as new resins are discovered.
Siraya Tech
Siraya Tech Fast offers the best balance between price per gallon, functionality, and cost. While there are cheaper resins out there, many of them can crack or become sticky when handled incorrectly. Fast has been my favorite resin for many years, and it never fails me when it comes reliability.
It is also used to review resin 3D printers, so I am familiar with what each printer can do. Although the smoky-gray color is my favourite, there are so many options.
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Anycubic
Clear resin should be able to remain clear even after curing. Clear resin tends to look slightly yellow when exposed to ultraviolet light. It will appear more like nicotine stained glass than freshly made. Clear resin from Anycubic is resistant to yellowing and will retain its crystal-like appearance as long as it’s not over-cured.
Pro tip: Spray the model with several coats if high gloss clear coating after you have dried it. This will really bring out its shine.
Sunlu
It’s a good idea to purchase a bulk batch cheap resins when you are just getting started. You can mix and match these four 500g resin bottles to create different effects on your models.
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Elegoo
Elegoo claims that its plant-based resin is safe and non-irritating. However, it is far superior to other resins in this regard. It is still best to use gloves, respirator, goggles and protective goggles until the resin has fully cured.
However, it is inexpensive, simple to use, and provides reliable results. The smell of resin is nearly nonexistent in plant-based resins.
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Anycubic
Resin can be fragile and you might consider using a tough resin such as Anycubic to help prolong its life.
Although the tough resin performs the same way as other resins it also allows for greater flexibility in the final product. This makes it less likely to break into pieces like dry spaghetti.
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Siraya Tech
Making jewelry castings is one of the most fun things I have done with a resin printer. I made a Green Lantern ring using some of the resin, and then gave it to a friend who has a kiln. It was wrapped in plaster and then fired. Because the resin is high in wax, it melts easily and forms a perfect mold for casting silver.
The resin is expensive, but it’s worth the effort if your goal is to make your own jewelry.
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3D printing resin FAQ
Resin 3D printing differs from other forms of additive manufacturing. Although it can be dangerous, it can also be very rewarding if it’s done correctly. These are some frequently asked questions that I receive about the process.
Is 3D printing resin dangerous?
Short answer: Yes. The long answer is yes, provided you are careful. Chemical burns can result from touching resin with your naked hands. The more you touch it, the more likely it is that you will become allergic. Now I need to be extra cautious as any liquid resin touches my skin, it causes swelling. It’s not a joke. It is crucial to use resin safely and properly. To keep the toxins from getting into your hands, you can use nitrile gloves for handling uncured resin. However, I recommend safety glasses and a respirator.
Can normal resin be used from Michaels?
You might not find the same type of resin at Michaels as you would in 3D printing resin. The majority of those resins come in two-part systems and chemically bond together when mixed. UV resin cures under UV light. UV resin can only cure under certain wavelengths. Not all resins work. It is necessary to use resins specifically labeled for 3D printing resins.
What happens if I can’t fix the problem?
Two main stages are involved in curing a resin-printed model. The first is what happens in the printer when the UV lights harden a layer resin to form a model. After the model has been completed, the second occurs. You will need gloves to hold the model once it is removed from the plate. The resin on the outside of the model will not have cured. The model will need to be washed in isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) and then dried in a UV-lamp or outside in the sun. This will make the model more stable and safe to handle.
You can’t leave the model sticky if you don’t use that second treatment. You and everyone around you can be exposed to danger by painting it. To speed up the process, I recommend a wash and cure system.
Is it possible to 3D-print something in resin that is safe for food and body?
No. No. Although curing makes it safe, it is not 100% safe. Therefore, it is forbidden to ingest any resin. You can make food-safe products using your resin prints by making a silicone mold.
Are there many types of resins?
Although all UV resins have the same properties, there are some that offer different results. Although standard resin can be used for many projects, it is not very flexible and can become quite fragile. These resins are flexible, but they don’t allow for fine detail. This makes them ideal for practical prints. You can even use resins to make denture molds. The possibilities are endless.
Siraya Tech Fast, the best overall resin we have reviewed, can be mixed with other brands to create different properties. You can purchase the less expensive resin and mix it with the more expensive resin that has different properties.