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Resin 3d printers: what they are and how they work

Resin 3d printers: what they are and how they work

Resin 3D Printers

Resin 3D printers, commonly known as stereolithography printers, are currently the undisputed leaders in additive manufacturing in terms of speed. Although their production process is based on the overlaying of layers of photopolymer material, these machines, which range from the professional to the economical end of the spectrum, are distinguished by the wide variety of technologies they offer.

Resin 3D printers are distinguished by their essential mechanics, which contrasts sharply with the complexity of fused filament deposition (FDM) 3D printers.

 

Unlike many other additive manufacturing techniques, most resin 3D printers rely on a single axis of motion, mainly along the vertical direction (Z axis).

 

However, the mechanical simplicity of these printers should not deceive, as they are capable of producing components with significantly higher resolution than any other technology currently available on the market.

Stereolithography
SLA
Digital Light Processing
DLP
Liquid Cristal Display
LCD

Resin 3d printers: advantages and disadvantages

The adoption of these technologies offers significant advantages, including extraordinary speed of production and, most importantly, the ability to produce extremely complex shapes with unparalleled precision and resolution.

 

On the other hand, there are some challenges to consider in using resin 3D printers. These include the limitation in using a single material during the production of a part, as the material tank can only hold one material at a time. In addition, the removal of print supports can prove to be a complex and risky operation, since the supports have the same mechanical properties as the part itself, and their removal could compromise the integrity of the part.

 

Importantly, the handling of materials in this context involves highly toxic substances, both in terms of odor emissions and the risk of direct contact, which is strongly discouraged. If one opts to use these technologies, a dedicated handling station must be established before and after printing.

 

The first station is essential for cleaning the tank and loading the material, while the second is essential for performing washing, post-process operations such as UV treatment, and removal of print media.

SLA Stereolithography

Stereolithography marked the zero point of additive manufacturing technologies. In fact, it represents the world's first commercialized 3D printing system.

 

In 1983 Chuck Hull, now owner of 3DSystems, patented and sold his SLA1 i.e., the first stereolithograph in history or rather, the world's first 3D printer.

SLA resin printer: how it works

Additive manufacturing systems using SLA technology are characterized by a printing platform anchored in the Z-axis that moves from top to bottom and goes submerged in a tank (VAT) containing photopolymer resins.

 

A light source (a UV laser) whose trajectory is modified through a mirror and lens system outlines layer by layer the various layers.

Stampanti 3D resina SLA

In fact, the raw material in the liquid state, when exposed to a light source, changes its state (from liquid to solid) and thus determines layer by layer the creation of the assigned geometry.

 

Resin 3d printers with SLA technology can also be configured with top-bottom or bottom-top solutions.

 

Pictured is a top-bottom architecture so the printing platform moves from top to bottom. In bottom-top solutions, on the other hand, the laser-mirror system is located at the bottom of the 3d printer and the vat is located at the top middle. The movement of the platform on this type of resin-based 3d printer is from the bottom to the top.

Benefits
High print volume
Very high resolution
Very complex geometries
Disadvantages
Unique printing material
Media removal
Stampanti 3D resina DLP

DLP Resin 3D Printer

DLP 3D printing technology, together with LCD technology, stands out as the fastest solution currently available on the market.

 

In terms of mechanical structure, the DLP system bears remarkable similarities to stereolithography technology, but differs significantly in terms of the light source used to expose photopolymers.

 

Instead of relying on a laser beam, DLP resin 3D printers take a different approach, with a projector located at the bottom of the device that emits light from the bottom to the top.

Digital Light Processing: how it works

By means of a transparent surface, light impinges on a basin that encloses the photopolymers, and inside it is the printing platform.

 

Gradually, layer by layer, the platform rises from the bottom up until the entire structure is completed.

Benefits
Very high production speed
High resolution
Very complex geometries
Disadvantages
Unique printing material
Reduced print volume
Print media removal

LCD Resin 3D Printing

LCD 3D printer technology marks the latest advance among resin 3D printers.

 

In terms of mechanical structure, these printers are basically similar to a DLP 3D printing system, but differ in the light source used to expose the photopolymers in the tank.

Digital Light Processing: how it works

The light source of LCD resin 3D printers is based on a UV light that is projected onto an LCD screen, which serves to expose the photopolymers.

 

Progressively, layer by layer, the platform, which is initially in contact with the bottom of the tank, rises until the entire structure is completed.

Stampanti 3D resina LCD
Benefits
Very high production speed
High resolution
Very complex geometries
Disadvantages
Unique printing material
Reduced print volume
Print media removal

We warmly invite you to explore in detail the large and fascinating area dedicated to resin 3D printers.

 

Here you can immerse yourself in a world of innovation and possibilities, discovering the cutting-edge technologies, amazing applications, and endless potential that these machines offer.

 

Explore the different printer options, familiarize yourself with the features, performance, and specifications of each model, and learn how resin 3D printing is revolutionizing manufacturing, prototyping, and creativity in multiple industries.

 

Don't miss your chance to bring your boldest ideas to life with the extraordinary versatility and precision of resin 3D printers.

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