Question 1

1. What Is SLA?

Accepted Answer

SLA, or Stereolithography, printing is the most widely used 3D printing technology. It was first developed at the beginning of the 1980s by Japanese researcher Hideo Kodama. Kodama invented the modern layered approach to stereolithography by using ultraviolet light to cure photosensitive polymers. SLA is an additive manufacturing process that uses an ultraviolet (UV) laser on a vat of photopolymer resin. Aided by slicing software (CAM/CAD), the laser draws a pre-programmed design onto the surface of the photopolymer vat. The resin is photochemically solidified and forms a single layer of the 3D design. The process is repeated to build layers one on top of the other and finally builds the end product.

Question 2

2. Why Use Resin?

Accepted Answer

The liquid material generally used in SLA printers is called ‘resins.’ Resins are thermoset polymers. Standard resins result in high stiffness, high-resolution prints, which also gives a smooth injection molding-like finish. To top that, resins are low in cost, making it feasible for prototypes.

Question 3

3. What Are The Different Types Of Resin?

Accepted Answer

Standard resin or more commonly known as just ‘resin’ is the most popular choice for SLA 3D printing. But other options include: Glass-reinforced resin- Glass additives are mixed for extra strength and stability. Prints are rigid and do not easily deform. Durable resin – This is used to design parts that undergo mechanical stress and wear.  Flexible resin – This type solidifies to a rubber-like substance. It is used for elasticity and flexibility.  Tough resin – Also called ‘ab-like’ material, used for increased stiffness in heavy-duty models.   Dental resin – Photopolymers that are biocompatible are used in the medical field like dentistry to form products like retainers. Shell casting resin – This is a form of resin used in shell casting to create soft parts. Ceramic resin – A photopolymer with ceramic additives used to replicate objects made of ceramics. High-detail resin – These resins have various names depending on the company you buy from. But the common property is that it helps to get better resolution in the prints as it reacts better when exposed to a light source.

Question 4

4. What Types Of Resin Printers Are Out There?

Accepted Answer

There is a wide range of resin 3D printers available in the market, today. The most popular types are Digital Light Processing ( DLP) printers and Stereolithography (SLA)printers.

Question 5

5. What Are The Post-printing Steps For A Resin Prototype?

Accepted Answer

Resin 3D printers require a post-printing procedure to reach the end-product. These involve the following steps: Washing: The model is washed by dipping into alcohol or water, or at the very least is left to dry to remove all the residual uncured resin. UV Curing: The print is hardened under a UV lamp to solidify and strengthen the model.  Support Removal: Resin printing involves using support to create the structure. After the print is formed, this support is removed.  Additional (optional) post-processing steps include sanding, patching escape holes, finishing, painting, and polishing. These may be done either manually or by using special pieces of equipment.

Question 6

6. What Are The Applications Of 3D Printers?

Accepted Answer

Prototyping and Manufacturing: The primary use of 3D printing was prototyping and production. It was meant to speed up the production process by creating single molds much faster. It also significantly reduced lead times required in traditional manufacturing.  Medicine: For the past several years, many 3D printing applications have been introduced in the world of medicine. The areas of bioprinting, where biomaterials (cells and growth factors) are joined to form tissue-like replicas of their biological counterparts, prosthetics, assistance in surgery, etc. have seen success with 3D  printing. Construction: The technology of 3D printing allows engineers and architects to study and plan the construction of complex infrastructures. Printing is used in the fields of extrusion (concrete/cement, wax, foam, and polymers), powder bonding (polymer bond, reactive bond, sintering), and additive welding. Education: With the increased accessibility, students are getting the opportunity to learn 3D printing and designing. It helps to prepare the students by studying and creating prototypes without having to spend loads of money on expensive equipment. 3D printing fills in the gap between images on paper and theory and real-life models and structures.  Art and Jewelry: You may think that 3D printing has no use in the art department, but you’re wrong. An unexpected venture for this new innovation can be seen with artists and jewelry designers. 3D models allow them to play with ideas and experiment with designs as testers before forming the final product.

3D PRINTING

Best Resin 3D Printers 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printer Filaments 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Pens 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printers For Beginners 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printers 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printers Under $300 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Affordable 3D Printers 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printers Under $500 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best 3D Printers Under $1000 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide