3D Resin Printing

Fun Projects to Try

Resin printing is not only a practical tool for prototyping and manufacturing, but it can also be a fun hobby with endless possibilities for creativity.

Fun Project ideas to Try

• Jewelry: Resin printing is perfect for creating unique and intricate jewelry pieces. Create your own custom designs or download free templates from online resources.
• Figurines: Use your resin printer to bring your favorite characters to life with highly detailed figurines. There are countless models available online or design your own.
• Home decor: Make one-of-a-kind pieces of home decor such as vases, candle holders, and picture frames. Experiment with different colors and textures to create a custom piece that will be a conversation starter in any room.
• Cosplay props: Create accurate and detailed cosplay props, such as weapons or helmets, using your resin printer. With a little paint and finishing touches, you can make your cosplay stand out from the crowd.

With a little creativity and some basic knowledge of resin printing, you can create stunning and unique pieces that showcase your skills and personal style.

Transforming Everyday Objects

Transforming ordinary objects with resin printing typically involves the following steps:

1. Select an object: The first step is to choose an object you want to transform. This could be anything from a vase or bowl to a piece of jewelry or a toy.
2. Design the model: Using CAD software or a 3D scanner, you will need to create or capture a 3D model of the object. This step is essential because it will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and prepare the model for printing.
3. Prepare the resin printer: Once you have the 3D model, you need to prepare your resin printer for printing. This involves filling the resin tank, leveling the build platform, and selecting the appropriate settings for your print.
4. Print the model: With the printer prepared, you can now print the 3D model of the object. This may take several hours, depending on the complexity of the model.
5. Post-processing: Once the print is complete, you will need to clean and cure the object to remove any excess resin and harden the final product.
   • Finishing touches: The final step is to add any finishing touches to the transformed object, such as sanding or painting.

Overall, transforming ordinary objects with resin printing is a creative and rewarding process that allows you to bring your ideas to life in 3D.

Earn Money With Your 3D Resin Printer

Yes, you can earn money with your resin printer or CAD designs. There are several ways to monetize your 3D printing skills:

1. Print and sell products: You can create and sell your own 3D printed products on online marketplaces such as Etsy or eBay. Alternatively, you can offer your 3D printing services to customers who need custom parts or prototypes.
2. Offer 3D printing services: You can offer your 3D printing services to others who may not have access to a 3D printer. This can include individuals or businesses who need custom parts or prototypes.
3. Sell your CAD designs: You can create and sell your own CAD designs on online marketplaces such as MyMiniFactory or Thingiverse.
4. Offer 3D modeling services: You can offer your 3D modeling services to customers who need custom designs or modifications to existing designs.

Before starting to monetize your 3D printing skills, make sure to research the market and the demand for your products or services. You should also consider the cost of materials and time required to produce your products, as well as any legal or regulatory requirements that may apply.

Stores Selling 3D Printed Items

• Etsy: Etsy is a popular online marketplace where many sellers offer a wide range of 3D printed items. Here is an example of an ad for a 3D printed vase:
• Amazon: Amazon also offers a variety of 3D printed products from a range of sellers. Here is an example of an ad for a 3D printed phone case:
• Shapeways: Shapeways is a 3D printing service that allows users to upload their designs and have them printed and shipped. Here is an example of an ad for a 3D printed figurine.
• Thingiverse: Thingiverse is a website where users can upload and share their 3D printing designs. Some users also offer their designs for sale on the site. Here is an example of an ad for a 3D printed plant pot.
• Sculpteo: Sculpteo is another 3D printing service that offers a range of products and customization options. Here is an example of an ad for a 3D printed keychain.

Best Practices for Resin Printing

Resin printing can produce highly detailed and intricate prints, but it requires some knowledge and attention to detail to get the best results.

Best Practices

1. Handle resin with care, wear gloves and protective gear, and keep it away from open flames.
2. Store resin properly in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
3. Always level your printer bed before starting a print and use the recommended print settings for your resin.
4. Use a resin-compatible resin tank and replace it periodically to prevent contamination and leaks.
5. Clean the resin tank and build platform regularly to prevent failed prints and improve print quality.
6. Use supports to prevent warping, failed prints, and improve print quality.
7. Use a UV curing chamber or a UV lamp to fully cure your prints and increase their strength.
8. Post-process your prints with sanding, polishing, and painting to achieve a desired finish.
9. Experiment with different resins, printers, and settings to find the best combination for your projects.
10. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your resin and printer.

Attention to Detail

1. Resin type: There are different types of resin available, each with their own properties and optimal printing conditions. Choosing the right resin for your project is important for achieving the desired quality and strength.
2. Resin settings: Adjusting the exposure time, bottom layer exposure time, lift distance, and other settings in the slicer software can affect the quality and accuracy of the print.
3. Print orientation: Just like with FDM printing, print orientation is important in resin printing as well. The orientation can affect the amount of support structures required, as well as the quality of the print.
4. Supports: Proper support structures are important in resin printing to prevent the print from collapsing during the printing process. The location and number of supports can affect the quality of the print, as well as the amount of post-processing required.
5. Print bed leveling: Ensuring that the print bed is level is crucial in resin printing to achieve a good first layer and prevent warping or detachment during the printing process.
6. Resin curing: Properly curing the printed model is important for achieving the desired strength and stability. Curing time and temperature can affect the quality and durability of the print.
7. Safety: Resin printing can produce harmful fumes and should be done in a well-ventilated area. Wearing gloves and eye protection is also important to avoid contact with the resin.

By following these best practices and attention to details, you can improve your resin printing results and create impressive and high-quality prints.

Tips and Tricks for Resin Printing

The Highest Level of Resin Printing

The highest level of resin printing is generally considered to be achieved by industrial-grade resin 3D printers, which are capable of producing large, high-quality parts with exceptional detail and precision. These printers are typically used in industrial and professional settings, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

Characteristics of high-level resin printing include:

1. High resolution: Industrial-grade resin printers can produce parts with extremely high resolution, often at sub-micron levels.
2. Large build volume: These printers are capable of printing large parts or multiple smaller parts in a single print job.
3. Precision: The printers are equipped with advanced sensors and feedback systems to ensure precise layer-by-layer printing.
4. Speed: Industrial-grade printers can often print at much higher speeds than consumer-grade printers, reducing production time and costs.
5. Durability: The materials used in high-level resin printing are often stronger and more durable than those used in consumer-grade printers, making them suitable for demanding applications.

Overall, the highest level of resin printing requires advanced technology, high-quality materials, and specialized expertise.

Choosing the Right Resin

3D printing with resin offers a wide range of possibilities for creating complex, high-resolution models and parts. However, with so many different types of resins available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your project. we delve into the various types of resins available, including standard, flexible, tough, clear, and castable resins.

Each type of resin of Resin has unique properties, such as its durability, flexibility, and clarity, and how these properties make it suitable for specific types of projects. For instance, tough resin is ideal for creating durable, impact-resistant parts, while clear resin is perfect for creating transparent or translucent models.

The cost of resin printer materials can vary depending on the brand, type, and quantity of resin needed. Generally, resin materials for 3D printing are more expensive than filament materials used in FDM 3D printers.

The cost of a liter of resin can range from $30 to $150 or more, depending on the brand and type of resin. Some resins are designed for specific applications, such as dental or jewelry making, and may be more expensive than general-purpose resins.

There are a few ways to find resin at the best price:

1. Compare prices from different retailers: Check prices from multiple online retailers and local stores to find the best deal. Many retailers offer discounts or promotions for bulk purchases or repeat customers, so it can be worth shopping around to find the best price.
2. Look for sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions on resin for 3D printing, especially around major holidays and events such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Some retailers may also offer discounts or coupons for first-time customers or subscribers to their newsletters.
3. Buy in bulk: Purchasing larger quantities of resin can often result in a lower cost per unit. Consider buying larger bottles or packages of resin if you plan to use it frequently or for larger projects.
4. Use generic or third-party brands: While name-brand resins are often more expensive, generic or third-party brands can be more affordable and still offer good quality. Just be sure to check compatibility with your specific printer and read reviews from other users before purchasing.

In addition to the cost of the resin itself, there are also additional costs to consider such as the cost of post-processing materials like isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is commonly used to clean and cure the prints, and other supplies such as disposable gloves and safety equipment.

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of resin printer materials can add up over time, especially if you are printing frequently or on a large scale. However, the quality and detail of the prints produced by resin printers can make them well worth the investment for many applications.

Important factors to consider when choosing a resin, such as curing time, post-processing requirements, and compatibility with your specific printer.

The main difference between high and low-quality 3D printer resin is the level of consistency, accuracy, and overall quality of the prints that can be produced.

High-quality 3D printer resin typically produces prints with smoother surfaces, sharper details, and better overall accuracy. This is because high-quality resins are usually formulated to have consistent and precise properties, such as viscosity, curing time, and color, which can help to produce more accurate and detailed prints.

On the other hand, low-quality resin may have inconsistent properties or be formulated with lower-quality ingredients, which can result in prints with rougher surfaces, less accurate details, and other issues. Additionally, low-quality resin may be more prone to problems such as warping, cracking, or brittleness, which can make it more difficult to achieve high-quality prints.

Overall, the choice of resin will depend on the specific needs of the user, the type of 3D printer being used, and the desired results. It’s important to choose a high-quality resin that is compatible with your printer and suited for the specific type of project you are working on.

• Zortrax – Provides high-quality and reliable resin printers for professionals and businesses.
• Elegoo: Elegoo is a popular brand known for their affordable, high-quality resin for 3D printing. They offer a variety of colors and types of resin for different applications.
• Anycubic: Anycubic is another well-known brand in the 3D printing industry, offering a range of high-quality resins for their own line of 3D printers as well as other popular models.
• Siraya Tech: Siraya Tech is a premium brand that specializes in high-performance resins for 3D printing. Their products are known for their strength and durability, making them a popular choice for functional prototypes and production parts.
• Monocure 3D: Monocure 3D is an Australian company that produces high-quality resins for 3D printing, including their popular Rapid and Standard resins.
• Nova3D: Nova3D is a Chinese manufacturer of 3D printers and resins, offering a variety of colors and types of resin for different applications.
• Amazon is an online marketplace that offers a wide variety of 3D printer resins from different brands and manufacturers. From standard resins to specialty resins, Amazon has a large selection to choose from.
• MatterHackers is a 3D printing and digital manufacturing company that offers a range of 3D printing supplies, including resin. Their selection includes a variety of colors and finishes from top brands.
• 3D Universe is a retailer that offers a range of 3D printing products, including printers, filaments, and resins. They carry resins from well-known brands like Formlabs, Elegoo, and Monocure.
• Printed Solid is a 3D printing company that offers a range of products for 3D printing enthusiasts. Their selection of resins includes standard resins, flexible resins, and specialty resins for specific applications.
• MakerBot is a leading manufacturer of 3D printers and related accessories. They offer a variety of resins for use with their printers, including standard resins, tough resins, and specialty resins for specific applications. Their resins are designed to work seamlessly with MakerBot printers for optimal performance.

When purchasing resin for a resin printer, it’s important to ensure that the resin is compatible with your specific printer and that it is suitable for the type of project you are working on. Different resins may have different properties such as curing times, color, and flexibility, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

It’s also important to follow proper safety precautions when working with resin, as it can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area when handling resin.