Everything You Need to Know About

 3D Resin Printing and 3D Resin Printer in

the UK

3D Resin Printer - Working principle

3D resin printers are used for prototyping and production of functional parts. Rendering 3D models into physical objects is achieved through a process known as photopolymerization. These days, 3D resin printers are used for more than just prototyping and production of functional parts. With them you can even render physical objects into existence! Resin works by photopolymerization - meaning that light is needed in order to cure it into a solid form. A UV rays source does this magical work which creates an object from nothing but transparent gooey substances once enough time has passed."

3D Resin Printing Processes: SLA, DLP and LCD

There are several types of resin 3D printers which are used for manufacturing end-use parts, prototypes and functional prototypes. These include: - SLA: This process uses an ultraviolet (UV) light source to cure a solution of liquid resin. This method is used for low-volume parts. - DLP: This method uses a conventional projector to cure a liquid resin. Parts manufactured using this process have high resolution, but are expensive and used for mass production. - LCD: This process uses a laser to cure a liquid resin. LCD is used for low-cost production of functional prototype parts at high volumes. - UV Curable resin: This process uses a light source to cure a liquid resin that is sensitive to UV light. UV curing resins are used to get high-quality parts at high volumes. - Photocurable resin: This process uses a light source to cure a liquid resin that is transparent to light. This process is used for creating parts out of materials that are not UV sensitive.

Benefits of 3D Resin Printing

- Time and money savings - You can create large parts in a single build through the use of resin 3D printing. This is a great advantage for small businesses that produce a batch of small batches of parts every day. - Get the right design - Use this 3D printing process to iterate and modify your design until it is perfect. You can create multiple parts at the same time, which helps you save time. - Material selection - You can create parts out of different materials using resin 3D printing. This is an added advantage when you need an outsourced part in a specific material. - Functional, detailed parts - Due to the low-pressure environment, resin 3D printing creates high-quality, functional parts. These parts are often stronger than cast parts. - No need for moulds - You don’t need to make moulds for resin 3D printed parts, which saves money and time. - Small volume parts - This process is ideal for creating small quantities of parts and prototypes.

Limitations of 3D Resin printing

- Manual process - This process requires time, effort, and skill. It is therefore recommended for small quantities. - Low accuracy - This is common when you 3D print parts with a low-resolution model. - Short life - Resin 3D printing parts have a short lifetime and require regular maintenance. - Low strength - Although resin 3D printed parts are sturdy, they are not suitable for high-stress applications. - No colour - Resin 3D printing only allows you to print monochromatic parts. - Long production time - This process has a long lead time, which is mainly due to the curing process.

Best uses of  3d resin printing

- Prototyping: Create low-volume, high-quality prototypes or functional prototype parts for your end-use parts. - Low-volume production: This is a great process for low-volume production of functional parts. - Engineering and design validation: You can use this process to design and validate your design before going into production. - Custom parts: Create custom parts for your business or for an outsourced project. - Tooling: Create parts for tooling in the early stages of designing your product. - End-use parts: Create end-use parts with a custom design and material.

Choosing the right resin for your printer

When you are choosing the right resin for your printer, you should consider the following factors: - Environment: Choose a resin that is UV-sensitive. Make sure that the room where you are printing is well lit. - Part size: Select a resin that can print the part that you need. Small parts require a smaller amount of resin, while larger parts require larger quantities. - Layer thickness: Select a resin that can cure layers of the thickness that you desire for your part. The thickness of each layer depends on the required strength of the part. - Part type: Select a resin with a formula that is compatible with your printer. - Quantity: Choose a resin that comes in a quantity that you need. - Price: Choose a resin that is within your budget.

Reputable brands for  3d resin printing in the UK

- Idea Builder - An established brand in the United Kingdom, Idea Builder uses state-of-the-art technology to create high-quality resin 3D printed parts. This is a trusted brand with offices and workshops in London, Yorkshire, and Glasgow. - Stratasys - This is an American brand that offers a wide range of 3D printers, including the FDM 9800, Infinite 10, and the EBM3250. - EOS - This is a German brand that uses a high-performance photopolymer material to create durable and sturdy parts. - Materialise - This Belgian brand offers an extensive range of printers. It is a great option if you are looking for affordable and high-quality resin 3D printers. - SLA/DLP/LCD/UV/Photocurable Resin 3D printers - This is a brand that has been in business since 1989, with headquarters in the UK. It offers a wide range of resin 3D printers for prototyping and low-volume production. - Z-corp - This is a Japanese brand that uses the DLP technology to create high-quality resin 3D printed parts.

Conclusion

Resin 3D printing is a great process for creating prototypes, manufacturing small batches of production parts, and producing end-use parts that are not suitable for casting. It can be used in many industries, and it is an accessible technology that is ideal for performing fast and detailed prototypes or low-volume production of functional parts. If you are new to resin 3D printing, this article has served as your one-stop guide. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about resin 3D printing, as well as its benefits, limitations, and best uses.