3D printing is a technique that is gaining popularity these days because it can produce amazing structures and objects that can be made in a short period of time as compared to ones involving manual labor.
In countries like Dubai, the 3D printing process is used to make large buildings, and that too within weeks. Dubai is all set to create a new history in the world by making the most of its buildings through the 3D printing process.
The most common material used to do 3D printing is resins. This immediately raises a question in the mind: What is resin 3D printing?
If you are also curious to know about what is resin 3D printing, then do not worry, as in this guide you will get detailed knowledge about what is resin 3D printing process and a lot more that you would love to explore.
1 What is Resin 3D Printing?
Now you need not worry about what is resin 3D printing. All your queries will be answered in the upcoming sections. The resin 3D printing process, as the name suggests, is a technique that uses a liquid resin layer to produce a 3D structure or object. For this, it uses photopolymer resins infused with photoinitiators.
There are various types of resins used. The most popular among them is epoxy resin. If you want to produce high-resolution 3D images, then epoxy resin is the best choice.
Epoxy resin produces a smooth surface with details. Other popular choices include acrylic resins, polyurethane resins, rigid resins, resins for high-temperature range flexible resins, transparent resin, standard resin, photopolymer resin, etc.
Each of them has its own specific advantages and disadvantages and is selected according to various factors like the site conditions, the type of projects we are working on, etc.
2. Different Resin Printing Technologies
It is impossible to answer the question of what is resin 3d printing without knowing the technologies used. With the rising popularity of the 3D printing process, many resin printing technologies have emerged. They have made it easy to print the resin layer using any resin type. The objects printed have extremely fine detail and are used to create prototypes that are worldwide famous.
A few types of 3D resin printing technologies are given below:
2.1 SLA Printing Technology
The first and most widely used technology is SLA printing. It offers high print quality. If you are looking for a printing technology for rapid prototyping, then; this is the best option. It is also capable of producing smooth surfaces.
SLA printers can print very minute details accurately. They primarily have 4 parts. These include UV light sources, resins, build plates, etc.
An SLA printer works with UV laser light used in a specific pattern to achieve the desired 3D printed image. It produces very realistic images and is used to produce extremely fine details. This makes it an ideal option for complex patterns and geometries.
2.2 Digital Light Processing
A digital light processing printer is similar to the SLA printer. The mechanism of both of them is the same. But, as the name suggests, a digital 3D printer uses digital projection as a light source instead of UV light.
These printers have faster speed than SLA printers. The Digital micromirror device in these printers helps to control the position of the printer, giving them more accuracy.
The platform is lifted when one layer is completed. Then it is repositioned to print the next layer.
2.3 Liquid Crystal display
The working mechanism of Liquid Crystal displays or LCD printers, is similar to that of DLP printers. Unlike DLP printers, they do not need micromirrors to print 3D images. They directly work on the UV lights instead of using a transmitter.
It is the reason why they are also known as MSLA or masked stereolithography. They adopt a layering printing mechanism for the same. The print speed is also the highest in LCD printers.
It contains many advanced features and produces smoother surfaces than traditional printers. Moreover, the parts of an LCD printer are relatively cheap. This has made them widely accessible. But they need more maintenance and usually have a shorter lifespan than traditional printers.
You also have to be careful about the light emitted from the LED screens, as this can be harmful to the project in certain cases.
2.4 Fused Deposition Modeling
Fused Deposition Modeling is a type of filament printing. This technology has evolved 3D printing for some time to eliminate its shortcomings. For example, these printers can now work with a variety of resin materials. These are affordable, and their spare parts are also easily available in the market.
Thus, you can easily replace it if any part gets damaged. You can print thin layers using these 3D printers. If you wish to work on larger projects, like building a house, you can easily do it with the help of these printers.
3. What is resin 3D printing’s advantage?
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As we know, resin 3D printing uses superior mechanical properties and mechanisms. It is therefore important to know the advantages resin 3D printing holds over traditional methods.
3.1 Time saviour
A 3D printer works at very high speed and can also work day and night to produce high-quality prints. This reduces the time of the project significantly. For example, the municipal building in Dubai was built within 2 weeks, which would otherwise have taken months to complete.
3.2 Flexibility
Resin printers have also made it possible to print complex designs with enhanced surface quality. The printing materials used; and the technology involved, enable the complex designs to be printed completely using the resin printer.
Therefore, you can say that you are not limited to the traditional designs; instead, you have more designs to explore as per your wish.
3.3 Versatility
With the advent of resin printers and resin materials, there is a lot of versatility in designs, printing materials, and resin materials available to users. We have all kinds of resin materials, from flexible resins to tough resins. The light source also varies from UV light source to laser beam.
3.4 Cost-effective
Though you might find it a little unbelievable, yes, 3D printing helps you cut down on your budget. 3D printing helps save a lot of material and time. Resin printers also ensure a minimum waste during construction. There is less labor involvement, and more work done using filament printers. This also saves a lot of money.
3.5 High print quality
The 3D printer always produces a high-quality object, irrespective of the resin material used. The entire layer produced by a 3D printer is even and smooth. It imparts perfection to the project. This imparts stability to the project.
4. What is resin 3D printing’s disadvantage?
Though there are many advantages to 3D printing and 3D printing materials, there has a few disadvantages that we should know. They are given below:
4.1 Construction of Large Structures is Prohibited.
The use of 3D printers limits the size of the building because of the size of the printers available. The resin prints are usually not very large. If you want to print a big building or object, it will be done in parts and then joined later on.
4.2 Post-processing
Post-processing refers to activities like sanding, smoothening, coating surfaces, finishing, coloring, etc. These things are initiated once the printing with the help of the machine is over. Thus, we cannot say that the building is completely ready after 3D printing. To improve the functionality and appearance of the building, you cannot skip this step.
4.3 Employment crisis
As we know, using a 3D resin printer has reduced the need for labor significantly. It can be problematic in the case of a country where there is a large population, like India. If these 3D printers take over the construction industry, it will cause an employment crisis.
4.4 Final designs may vary.
Since the work is done with the help of printers, various factors, like the efficiency of the printer material used, etc., can affect the design of the building. Thus, you can not say that you will get a replica of the design you have chosen for your house or any other building. There might be some variations.
4.5 They are not very environmentally friendly.
The 3D printers release toxic gases, so when used in a closed environment, they can intoxicate the space, making it harmful for the residents to live in it for some time. Moreover, as you know, the main ingredient used is resin, which is made of plastic. Thus, we cannot say that 3D printing is sustainable or environmentally friendly.
4.6 It can cause health problems.
3D printing involves the use of plastic resins. This releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. If the room or the place where you have kept the 3D printer is not well ventilated, these gases might not escape. When a person inhales these gases, he might get headaches, nausea, and vomit. The person can also suffer from dangerous diseases like asthma, lung cancer, etc.
5. Precautions while doing 3D printing
It is not only important to know what is resin 3D printing or what are its types, advantages, and disadvantages.
As 3D printing is gaining so much popularity these days, you should also know the precautions so that you do not hurt yourself while working with resin prints.
Following are the main precautions that are advised by the experts when dealing with resin 3D printing
5.1 Always wear protective equipment while doing resin 3D printing.
As 3D printing involves extensive use of machines, heat, radiation, etc., do not forget to wear protective gloves like nitrile gloves, goggles, helmets, etc. It saves you from harmful radiation and any injuries that can take place due to accidents occurring at the site.
5.2 Keep the 3D printer in a well-ventilated place.
The 3D printers should be kept in a well-ventilated place to avoid risks like fire and radiation poisoning. You should keep them in open spaces or well-ventilated places to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes and getting ill.
5.3 Follow the local rules and regulations.
To avoid any mishaps at the construction site, strictly follow the local rules and regulations. Follow all the safety-related instructions and all the precautions for a seamless experience while working with a 3D printer. This also minimizes the chances of accidents at the sight.
5.4 Save yourself from getting burned.
There are cases reported when people get injured due to the movable parts of the printer. Furthermore, the 3D printer works at a very high temperature, so you need to be careful when working with a 3D printer. If you accidentally touch any part of the machine, you can get severely burned. So do not touch or come in contact with the printer is in working condition.
6. Conclusion.
3D printing is a technology that has gained a lot of popularity now these days. Imagine selecting a print on your desktop machines and then getting it printed with the help of another machine. Sounds interesting. Yes, this is how resin 3D printing works.
After going to the above article, it must be clear to you what is resin 3D printing. With the help of 3D printers, you cannot print only small structures. It is possible to print giant ones like buildings. It has revolutionized the construction industry.
With time engineers are working more on this technology to make it accessible to common people. Just like any other thing, it too has certain advantages and disadvantages. The concerned people are working to overcome those disadvantages so that everyone can benefit from this wonderful invention of the modern world.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
