Properties of photopolymer resin for 3D printer
Photopolymer resin is used for 3D printing using SLA, LCD, DLP technologies. The use of this material and printing technology is based on one property of an initially liquid photopolymer resin - to harden when the material is irradiated with a light wave of a certain length. That is, these substances are capable of changing their state of aggregation under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. At the same time, photopolymer resins differ in their physical and mechanical characteristics, which makes it possible to obtain products with different properties. Moreover, the variety of photopolymer resins allows them to be used not only in household, but also in professional and even industrial applications.
Characteristics of photopolymer resins
Photopolymer resins are truly versatile. The main properties of photopolymer resin for 3D printing, for which they are so valued:
- wide color palette;
- a wide range of mechanical properties: elasticity, rigidity, hardness, etc.;
- tactile and optical properties: dullness, transparency;
- chemical composition: composite, biocompatible, heat-resistant, properties similar to polypropylene, ABS;
- range of applicability: medicine, dentistry, shoe production, orthopedics, jewelry, etc.
Photopolymer resins and 3D printing are even used in the aerospace field.
Advantages of photopolymers compared to other materials for 3D printing:
- perfect smoothness of finished models;
- highest detail and accuracy;
- excellent physical and mechanical properties;
- wide choice of materials and color palette;
- possibility of processing (painting, gluing, sanding, etc.).
There are materials that can be used to make burnt and lost wax models. This is applicable in the dental and jewelry industries, allowing for the modeling of products with the highest precision and degree of complexity. All these are characteristic properties of a photopolymer resin for a specific purpose.
Models made from industrial photopolymer resins are distinguished by high strength and functionality. The medical field uses materials that, thanks to their precision and detail, as well as biocompatibility, allow them to be used immediately after printing. For example, prosthetic mouth guards, etc.
Features of printing technologies with photopolymer resins
Photopolymer resins are used to print using different technologies: SLA, DLP, LCD. Each has its own merits. The essence is layer-by-layer application and curing of the material. In the case of SLA, irradiation is carried out by a beam, that is, pointwise. LCD and DLP technologies illuminate the entire layer, which allows you to significantly save time, especially with large volumes and simultaneous printing of several models, because illumination is carried out simultaneously. The cost of prints also varies. The choice of the optimal option depends on the specific tasks, as well as the budget.
In the online store you can purchase photopolymer resins in accordance with the tasks being solved. We also offer the widest range of equipment for 3D printing with photopolymers. If you have any questions, you can consult our specialists.