Resin printing, also known as stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP) printing, is an additive manufacturing process used to create three-dimensional objects from digital designs. It differs from traditional 3D printing, which typically uses filament or powdered material. In resin printing:
- Resin Material: Instead of filament, a liquid photopolymer resin is used as the raw material. This resin is sensitive to light, particularly in the UV spectrum.
- Layer-by-Layer Printing: The object is built layer by layer. A build platform is submerged in the liquid resin, and a UV light source, such as a laser or a projector, selectively cures (solidifies) the resin in a precise pattern based on the 3D model’s cross-section.
- Support Structures: In some cases, support structures may be generated to hold up overhanging parts during printing. These are later removed in post-processing.
- Curing and Cleaning: After each layer is exposed to UV light and solidified, the build platform moves upward, and the process is repeated until the entire object is printed. Once complete, the object is typically removed from the printer and cleaned to remove excess uncured resin.
- Post-Processing: Post-processing steps may include further curing with UV light, sanding, painting, or assembling multiple printed parts into a final object.
Resin printing is known for producing highly detailed and accurate prints, making it suitable for applications like jewelry design, dental and medical models, miniatures, and prototyping. However, it tends to be slower and can be more costly compared to other 3D printing methods due to the expense of the resin material and the need for additional equipment for post-processing.
