What is Resin Printing
Resin printing is great for the finer details. Many table top games use resin printing for their miniataures and scatter props.
Resin printing, commonly referred to as Stereolithography (SLA) or Digital Light Processing (DLP), is a 3D printing technique that uses photopolymer resins to create high-resolution objects. Here’s a detailed description of the process:
1. **Design**: The process starts with designing a 3D model using CAD software. The design is then exported as an STL file or other suitable formats for 3D printing.
2. **Slicing**: The STL file is imported into slicing software, which slices the model into thin layers and generates the necessary instructions for the 3D printer. This file contains the layer-by-layer data for curing the resin.
3. **Preparation**: The resin 3D printer is prepared by filling the resin tank with liquid photopolymer resin. The build platform is also cleaned and calibrated to ensure proper adhesion.
4. **Layer Curing**:
- **SLA (Stereolithography)**: In SLA, a UV laser selectively cures the resin, solidifying each layer as per the design. The laser moves in a pattern, drawing each layer on the surface of the resin.
- **DLP (Digital Light Processing)**: In DLP, a digital light projector screen flashes an entire image of a layer onto the resin at once, curing a whole layer in a single pass. This method tends to be faster than SLA.
5. **Layer-by-Layer Construction**: The build platform is initially submerged slightly into the resin tank. After a layer is cured, the platform moves up or down by a fraction of a millimeter (depending on the printer), and the next layer is cured. This process repeats until the entire object is built.
6. **Peeling and Recoating**: After each layer is cured, the build platform lifts slightly to peel the cured layer from the bottom of the resin tank, allowing fresh resin to flow beneath it. This ensures each new layer is formed in a smooth, even manner.
7. **Completion**: Once all layers are cured and the object is fully printed, the build platform raises, exposing the completed object.
8. **Post-Processing**: The printed object typically requires several post-processing steps:
- **Cleaning**: The object is rinsed in isopropyl alcohol or other cleaning solutions to remove uncured resin.
- **Curing**: The object is placed in a UV curing chamber or exposed to sunlight to fully harden and strengthen the resin.
- **Removing Supports**: Any support structures added during the slicing process are carefully removed.
- **Finishing**: Additional steps like sanding, painting, or coating may be performed to achieve the desired surface finish and appearance.
Resin printing is known for its high precision and ability to produce intricate details, making it popular for applications requiring fine resolution, such as jewelry, dental models, and high-detail prototypes. However, it involves more handling and post-processing compared to filament printing.