The Use of Flexible Resins

Due to the flexible resins being softer compared to general purpose acrylic resins, the material’s characteristics enrich of the application of stereo-lithography printing technology. When printing thin structures, the product can be easily bent, while thick structures are flexible, compressible and vibration resistant.

Model Design Tips

The resin is softer and flexible, which causes it to be prone to deformation and breaking due to the peeling force during printing. The thinner and higher structure, the easier it is affected. Please follow the design tips below for optimized printing.Wall thickness ≧4mmDetail feature > 1mmOverall height ≦ 100mmHorizontal overhang structure length < 10mm (adding support structures may improve the stability of the structure)

Recommendations on Printing Setup

Use the “Rotate” function to turn directions, situating the solid structure’s center of gravity on the base of the platform.Choose “Mid” or “High” for support density and “Mid” or “Large” for the size of the contact point of the support, since the support structures of low density and small contact are prone to deformation and breaking while being printed.

Recommendation on Finishing

Removing the prints from the platform

Printouts of flexible resins are fragile. Carefully retrieve the printout by scraping it off gently.

Note•The thin brim is prone to breaking when being scraped off from the platform. Make sure to remove all residual structures on the platform to avoid affecting the next printing.

Cleaning

Same as cleaning general purpose resin printed items, immerse the item in 75% concentration alcohol and gently brush the surface of the item for 10 minutes with a soft brush (alternatively, use a ultrasonic cleaner), and remove the printed item after rinsing and allow the alcohol on the surface to evaporate completely.

Note•Do not immerse the printed item in alcohol for over 10 minutes to avoid the alcohol from eroding the item's surface structure and damaging the item.Tip•Prior to cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe off the uncured resin on the surface to allow for easier cleaning.

Removing the Support

Use tools to cut off the support instead of pulling directly (pulling can easily damage the item’s surface).

Post-Curing

To reduce the stickiness on the surface of the flexible resin printed item, post-cure the item with UV curing equipment after completely cleaning the surface of the item with alcohol.

RecommendationFor UV dose of 14 mW/cm2, expose the printed item for 1 to 2 minutes preferably.Note•The flexible resin will harden after exposure to UV light; make sure to avoid over curing to UV light.•When using UV equipment with a radiation intensity of over 14 mW/cm² against flexible resin printed items, it may cause the item to over harden and lose its flexibility.

Preservation of Uncured Flexible Resin

Resin within the resin tank should avoid exposure to light. Make sure to store uncured resin with an opaque container after filtering. Pour the resin back into the resin tank prior to printing.