Description
Models made out of transparent resin are constructed from a hardened liquid. The material is strong, hard, stiff, water resistant by nature, and of course, transparent. Transparent resin is suited for models needing a good, smooth, quality surface with a transparent or translucent look. Therefore, it’s ideal for demo models, accurate models and models with limited functionality. Freedom of design is limited because of the structure necessary to support your models during printing.
Material samples
Color
The color of the material is transparent, not 100% water clear, but somewhere between water clear and semi opaque. When your model is solid with a thickness greater than 2 cm, the printed part has a bluish shine. The model is painted with colorless varnish, but upon request other varnishes can be applied to make the model semi opaque (translucent) in the following colors:
- Transparent
- Translucent White: RAL 9003 / Signal White
- Translucent Black: RAL 9005 / Jet Black
- Translucent Blue: RAL 5005 / Signal Blue
- Translucent Green: RAL 6029 / Mint Green
- Translucent Yellow: RAL 1018 / Zinc Yellow
- Translucent Gray: RAL 7030 / Stone Gray
- Translucent Red: RAL 3000 / Flame Red
- Translucent Orange: RAL 2011 / Deep Orange
- Translucent Brown: RAL 8011 / Nut Brown
Typical use
This material can be used for models that need a transparent or semi opaque appearance or a nice smooth surface for demo models.
Technology
Stereolithography is used to build your design with this material. Starting from a 3D model, a model is built by cutting it into thin layers via specialized software. A support structure is created, where needed, in order to deal with overhangs and cavities. This machine then uses a computer controlled laser to draw the first layer onto the surface of a liquid polymer, which hardens where struck by the laser. The model is then lowered and the next layer is then drawn directly on top of the previous one. This is repeated until the model is finished. The supports are removed manually after the model is taken from the machine.
Additional information
- The transparency is not 100% water clear but lies between translucent and water clear. It is possible to simulate water clear transparency in special cases and upon special request.
- Transparent resin is great when it comes down to surface quality. The surface is smooth and the stair-stepping look that is typical for 3D printing is reduced by sandpapering it.
- Transparent resin models are painted with a matt varnish to prevent discoloration from UV light.
- Because of the specific post finishing of the material, not all models are suited to being made transparent. That’s the reason why we don’t offer a price for that on the website. However, it is possible to request a price.