3D Printer Resins

What is resin 3D Printing?

Resin 3D printing, or SLA 3D Printing, is the process by which liquid resins are cured or hardened layer-by-layer using a laser (laser SLA), LCD screen (MSLA), or digital light projector (DLP).

SLA 3D printers are capable of incredibly detailed 3D prints at a high resolution without the easily visible layer lines typically associated with FDM 3D printing. Once an SLA printed part is complete, it must be post-processed in UV light.

The high precision of SLA 3D printed parts makes resin a popular option for printing small, finely detailed models such as dental models, medical models, jewelry and even miniatures.

What kind of resins are used for 3D Printing?

There are many different resin materials that provide high-quality and highly detailed, smooth results when compared to FDM 3D printers and filament. Explore a wide variety of properties between differing resins such as:

• High-Temperature 3D Printer Resins - High-temperature resins for stronger, bolder 3D printed parts
• Flexible 3D Printer Resins - Flexible Resins that can bend but also maintain their shape
• Casting 3D Printer Resins - Rapid prototype castable products using lost wax and metal casting.
• PRO Series Epoxy-Free Resins - MatterHackers PRO Series Resin combines the industry-leading features of epoxy-free and incredibly stable 3D Printer Photopolymer Resin with application-specific formulas like High Precision, Dental Model, and more.

Is 3D Printer resin expensive?

No, 3D printer resin is not expensive. You can find 3D Printer resin for as low as $18.98 per 500g bag, like our MH Build Series Resin.

What considerations should I be aware of with SLA 3D Printing?

Unlike the plastics used in FFF 3D printing, the resins used in SLA 3D printing are not inert and are actually a skin-irritant in their uncured form that require some precautions in order to use safely. Most importantly, be sure to wear nitrile gloves anytime you intend to handle liquid resins.

To learn more about best practices for safe resin printing, read our how-to guide: Safely Handle, Use, and Dispose Resins for SLA 3D Printers

Is resin stronger than PLA?

In general, 3D prints made from resin are going to be weaker than their plastic counterparts. Fully post-processed resin 3D prints tend to be brittle and shatter when stressed, usually taking comparatively not much force at all to break. Some resins are categorized as "tough" because they are less likely to snap when stressed; tough resins tend to have more flexibility so they can bend a little before they snap.

As with FFF, plastic 3D printing, you want to choose the right medium and material to best suit the project you are working on because in some cases the strength a resin 3D print provides might be enough to work, and in others you might need an FFF 3D print to save the day.

What 3D resin is best?

Much like anything else, there are multiple factors to 3D printing resins that make it hard to call any one type of resin "the best." Some resins are tailor-made for one specific task and at least a basic level of capabilities in other categories.

• Best price: MH Build Resin starting at $18.98 for 500g
• Best for investment casting: Casting 3D Printing Resins
• Best for flexibility: Flexible 3D Printing Resins
• Best for overall toughness: Tough 3D Printing Resins
• Best for odor control: Low-Odor Epoxy-Free MH Build Resins

How long does 3D resin last?

The formulation of every brand of resin will be slightly different, but on average a properly stored resin would last a year. Some formulas extend the lifespan to 15 months, but you will want to use your 3D printing resin soon after opening and be sure to use older bottles before opening new ones.

Proper storage means keeping your resin in the original bottle it arrived in (or purchase a spare bottle) that's opaque and away from sunlight. Be sure to keep it stored near room temperature, with 77°F or 25°C for the longest lifespan.

Is it OK to leave resin in the vat?

If you are regularly using your resin 3D printing, it is perfectly okay to leave resin in the vat. If it's going to be a week or more until you start your 3D printer back up, take the time to empty out the vat and clean up the interior of the 3D printer; wipe down the build plate, the inside of the cover, the frame, the outside of the vat, etc. Leaving resin in the vat for an extended period of time can diminish the quality of the resin and over time may even partially cure at worst or have the pigment settle to the bottom at best.

How toxic is 3D resin?

All 3D printing resins are photopolymers, which means they turn from liquid to solid when exposed to UV light. A byproduct of this process is excess heat, which can cause an allergic reaction through skin contact. Proper personal protective equipment is necessary when working with 3D printing resin, which includes nitrile gloves and a respirator or ventilation system to remove the odorous fumes. Some 3D printing resins are not formulated with epoxy like epoxy-free MH Build resin which makes them significantly cleaner to handle and while you shouldn't be careless, you can keep your resin 3D printer right next to you on your desk without worry.

Can I leave my 3D printer on overnight?

Yes. Depending on the height of your models and whether you are using a 3D printer that cures resin in layers (MSLA and DLP) or along a toolpath (SLA), you may often find yourself with 3D prints that will take longer than 24 hours. There is no need to split up your models to take less time, simply let the 3D print run.