Common Resin Types

Standard Resins

1. Elegoo Standard Resin

Common Resin Types include Standard Resins, Engineering Resins, and Specialty Resins. Standard resins are the most commonly used resins and are suitable for a wide range of applications. They are often used in jewelry making, art, and prototyping. Elegoo Standard Resin is one of the popular brands of standard resins that offer good print quality and accuracy at an affordable price. It is available in a variety of colors and has a fast curing time. Other popular standard resin brands include Anycubic Plant-Based Resin and Siraya Tech Fast Resin.

2. Anycubic Plant-Based Resin

Anycubic Plant-Based Resin is a type of standard resin that is made from plant-based materials, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional resins. It is biodegradable and has a low odor, making it a great option for users who are sensitive to the strong smells often associated with 3D printing. Anycubic Plant-Based Resin also offers good print quality and accuracy, with a smooth surface finish. It is compatible with a variety of 3D printers and is available in a range of colors. Overall, Anycubic Plant-Based Resin is a popular and reliable option for those looking for a more sustainable resin option.

3. Siraya Tech Fast Resin

Siraya Tech Fast Resin is a popular brand of standard resin that is known for its quick curing time. It is designed to cure up to 4 times faster than other standard resins, making it a great choice for users who want to print models quickly. Despite its fast curing time, Siraya Tech Fast Resin still offers good print quality and accuracy, with a smooth surface finish. It is also resistant to yellowing and has a low odor compared to other resins. Siraya Tech Fast Resin is compatible with a wide range of 3D printers and is available in a variety of colors. Overall, Siraya Tech Fast Resin is a reliable and efficient option for those looking for a high-quality, fast-curing standard resin.

Engineering Resins

1. Formlabs Tough Resin

Engineering Resins are a type of 3D printing material that are designed to withstand high stress and strain. They are often used in engineering and manufacturing applications, such as creating functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and end-use parts. Formlabs Tough Resin is a popular brand of engineering resin that offers high tensile strength and impact resistance, making it ideal for creating parts that need to withstand wear and tear. It is also resistant to deformation and has a low friction coefficient, which makes it suitable for creating parts with moving components. Formlabs Tough Resin is compatible with Formlabs 3D printers and is available in grey and black colors. Other popular brands of engineering resin include Photocentric3D Hard Resin and Peopoly Tough Resin.

2. Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin

Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin is a popular brand of engineering resin that is designed for creating highly durable and flexible parts. It offers high tensile strength and impact resistance, making it ideal for creating parts that need to withstand repeated stress or strain. Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin is also highly elastic, with a high elongation at break, allowing for parts to bend and flex without breaking. This makes it suitable for creating parts such as gaskets, seals, and other flexible components. Despite its flexibility, Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin still offers good print quality and accuracy, with a smooth surface finish. It is compatible with a wide range of 3D printers and is available in a variety of colors. Overall, Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin is a reliable and versatile option for those looking to create durable and flexible parts with their 3D printer.

3. Photocentric3D Firm Resin

Photocentric3D Firm Resin is another popular brand of engineering resin that is designed for creating parts with high stiffness and strength. It offers good tensile strength, with low elongation at break, making it ideal for creating parts that require a high level of rigidity, such as structural components or molds. Photocentric3D Firm Resin also offers good dimensional stability, with minimal shrinkage or warping during the printing process. It has a matte surface finish, which is ideal for creating parts with a more natural or textured appearance. Photocentric3D Firm Resin is compatible with a range of 3D printers and is available in a variety of colors. Overall, it is a reliable and high-quality option for those looking to create parts with high stiffness and dimensional stability.

Specialty Resins

1. Elegoo Water Washable Resin

Specialty resins are a type of 3D printing material that are designed for specific purposes, such as creating parts with unique properties or for specific applications. Elegoo Water Washable Resin is a popular brand of specialty resin that offers the convenience of easy post-processing. Unlike other resins, which typically require the use of harsh chemicals or solvents to clean and finish printed parts, Elegoo Water Washable Resin can be cleaned with water. It is designed to dissolve in water, allowing users to easily remove excess resin from their printed parts without the need for additional chemicals. Elegoo Water Washable Resin still offers good print quality and accuracy, with a smooth surface finish and good dimensional stability. It is compatible with a range of 3D printers and is available in a variety of colors. Overall, Elegoo Water Washable Resin is a convenient and user-friendly option for those looking to simplify the post-processing of their 3D printed parts.

2. Siraya Tech Blu Resin

Siraya Tech Blu Resin is another popular brand of specialty resin that is known for its high clarity and durability. It offers good print quality, with high precision and accuracy, making it ideal for creating parts with intricate details or small features. Siraya Tech Blu Resin is also highly resistant to yellowing over time, making it a great choice for creating parts that require long-term clarity and transparency, such as lenses, display screens, or light guides. Additionally, Siraya Tech Blu Resin is highly resistant to impact, making it suitable for creating parts that need to withstand high stress or strain. It is compatible with a range of 3D printers and is available in a blue color. Overall, Siraya Tech Blu Resin is a reliable and high-quality option for those looking to create clear, durable, and impact-resistant parts with their 3D printer.

3. Anycubic Rapid Resin

Anycubic Rapid Resin is another popular brand of specialty resin that is designed for fast printing and curing times. It offers good print quality and accuracy, with a smooth surface finish and high precision, making it suitable for creating parts with intricate details or complex shapes. Anycubic Rapid Resin also has a low viscosity, which allows it to flow smoothly and evenly, reducing the risk of resin buildup or dripping during the printing process. Additionally, Anycubic Rapid Resin has a short curing time, meaning that printed parts can be quickly post-processed and ready for use. It is compatible with a range of 3D printers and is available in a variety of colors. Overall, Anycubic Rapid Resin is a great option for those looking to speed up their printing and post-processing times without sacrificing print quality or accuracy.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Resin

Print Quality

Print quality is an important factor to consider when choosing a resin for 3D printing. Different resins have different properties that can affect the print quality, such as resolution, detail, and surface finish. For example, some resins may offer higher resolution or greater detail, which can result in more precise and accurate prints. Other resins may provide a smoother surface finish, which can enhance the appearance of printed parts. It is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the project or application when choosing a resin based on print quality.

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are also an important factor to consider when choosing a resin for 3D printing. Different resins have varying degrees of stiffness, strength, and flexibility, which can affect the durability and functionality of printed parts. For example, some resins may offer high tensile strength, making them ideal for creating parts that need to withstand stress or strain. Other resins may offer greater flexibility, making them suitable for creating parts that need to be able to bend or deform without breaking. It is important to consider the specific requirements and conditions that the printed part will be subjected to, such as temperature, moisture, or impact, when choosing a resin based on mechanical properties.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a resin for 3D printing. Different resins have varying degrees of hardness, toughness, and resistance to wear and tear, which can affect the longevity and reliability of printed parts. For example, some resins may offer high abrasion resistance, making them ideal for creating parts that will be subjected to constant friction or rubbing. Other resins may offer greater resistance to chemicals or UV light, making them suitable for creating parts that will be exposed to harsh environments. It is important to consider the specific use case and intended application of the printed part when choosing a resin based on durability.

Compatibility with 3D Printer

Compatibility with the 3D printer is also an important factor to consider when choosing a resin for 3D printing. Not all resins are compatible with all types of 3D printers, and some printers may require specific types or brands of resin to achieve optimal results. It is important to check the specifications of both the resin and the 3D printer to ensure compatibility before making a purchase. Factors to consider include the resin viscosity, cure time, and recommended exposure settings, as well as the printer’s print bed temperature and resin tank material. Using a resin that is not compatible with the printer can result in failed prints, clogs, or damage to the printer.

Price

Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a resin for 3D printing. Different resins have different price points, which can affect the overall cost of the printing project. While some resins may be more expensive, they may offer better print quality, mechanical properties, and durability, which can be worth the investment for certain applications. Other resins may be more affordable, making them a better option for less critical or experimental projects. It is important to balance the desired properties and performance of the resin with the budget constraints of the project when choosing a resin based on price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of resins available for 3D printing, each with their own unique properties and characteristics. Some of the most popular and highly rated resin brands include Elegoo, Siraya Tech, Anycubic, Formlabs, and Photocentric3D. When selecting a resin for a specific project, it is important to consider factors such as print quality, mechanical properties, durability, compatibility with the 3D printer, and price. By carefully considering these factors and selecting the appropriate resin, designers, engineers, and product development teams can achieve optimal results and create high-quality, functional parts for a wide range of applications.