Looking for the best 3D printer resin for various models, such as miniatures, cookie cutters, dental models, and so on? Read our guide for the resins we recommend.
Over the past few years, resin 3D printers have been gaining popularity in different fields of production. For the printers to reach their full potential, you need to use the right resin for the particular type of model you want to print.
There are dozens of resins available on the market. These resins are developed for a wide range of applications. Given the wide range of resins available, which one will be suitable for your project?
Read this guide to find out.
Types of 3D Printing Resins
Generally, photopolymer resins can be divided into several types, e.g., standard, engineering, dental, jewelry (burned out), and so on.
Below, we’ll look at these common types of resins.
Standard Resins
Standard resins are designed for printing decorative models. The material are strong enough for printing miniatures, crafts, paintable figures or mock-ups. However, the resins are usually not strong enough to be used to print for functional items.
Standard resins are different from each other. Some of them can be washed with alcohol while others can be washed with water. The resins also come in different colors and even transparent options. Compared to other types of photopolymers, standard resins have a richer color palette.
The main advantages of standard resins are their inexpensive price, good detailing and fast curing time.
Below are the best standard resins on the market.
1. ESUN Standard
This is a good resin for professionals and makers who are just getting started with photopolymer printing. The ESUN Standard is available in different colors, is odorless and prints fast.
ESUN Standard is suitable for printing decorative models or any other products that will not be subjected to strong physical stress.
AVAILABLE ON ESUN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 395-405 nm (transparent 395-410 nm)
- Shore hardness: 80-82 D
- Impact strength according to Izod: 18-40 J/m
- Flexural strength: 46-72 Mpa
- Elastic modulus: 1000 – 1400 MPa
- Elongation at break: 28-35%
- Exposure time per layer (recommended): 5-10 sec.
- Color palette: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, light green, nude, orange, transparent.
- Volume: 0.5 kg, 1 liter.
Below are examples of models printed using the Esun Standard Resin.
This 3D printing resin produces great details, has a good balance of strength and elasticity, and adheres well to the platform. The printing time of the layer matches the one declared by the manufacturer (5-10 s), even on 3D printers with a weak UV source.
On the downside, sometimes the resin is difficult to stir and a fine suspension comes across. While this doesn’t reduce the print quality, it can make you nervous.
Also, the gray Esun resin is slightly transparent. Most makers have indicated they would have preferred it to be more “dense”.
2. ESUN eResin-PLA
is based on PLA filament, which is common in FDM printing. This makes the resin environmentally friendly. Product printed from the resin are tough and scratch-resistant.
The resin works well for decorative items, master models or no-load functional models.
AVAILABLE ON ESUN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 395-405 nm
- Shore hardness: 75-80 D
- Elongation at break: 20-50%
- Elastic modulus: 600 – 800 MPa
- Impact strength according to Izod: 15 – 32 J / m
- Tensile strength: 35-50 Mpa
- Exposure time per layer (recommended): 15-20 sec.
- Color palette: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, light green, nude, orange, transparent.
- Volume: 1 liter
Check below examples of models printed using the EResin-PLA .
3. Phrozen Aqua 4K
is designed specifically to unleash the full potential of 4K resin 3D printers. Prints made by this resin experience almost not shrinkage.
The resin works well for accurate printing of decorative patterns. However, to take advantage of all properties of the resin, you need to use a high-resolution printer, such as the Sonic Mini 4K or the Sonic Mighty 4K.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 395-405 nm
- Shore hardness: 77 D
- Color palette: gray, ivory.
- Volume: 1 kg
Below are sample models printed by the Phrozen Aqua 4K resin.
4. Phrozen Beige Low-Irritation
The Phrozen Beige Low-Irritation resin stands out from the competition because it is hypoallergenic. The resin has passed the ISO-10993 10 test. This means that it does not contain heavy metals and the finished models can directly contact the human body.
The resin can be used in dentistry or on products that will come into contact with the skin.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN | TOP3DSHOP
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 395-405 nm
- Color palette: beige
- Volume: 0.5kg
Below are examples of models printed using Phrozen Beige Low-Irritation resin.
5. ESUN Precision Model
The ESUN Precision Model resin is designed for fast printing of high precision models. The finished products are tough and can withstand heating up to 80 degrees.
This resin is a good choice for models that need high detail.
AVAILABLE ON MATTERHACKERS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 85 D
- Elongation at break: 12.1%
- Flexural strength: 77 Mpa
- Tensile Strength: 335-410 Mpa
- Color palette: red.
- Volume: 1 liter
See the print examples made using the ESUN Precision Model resin.
Transparent Resins
Clear resins are found in various brands of 3D printer resins. However, models printed from these resins can turn yellow or cloudy over time. If optical transparency without yellowness is important in the finished model, then you should pay attention to special polymers.
Below are some of the best transparent 3D printer resins.
1. Phrozen SC-801 Clear
The Phrozen SC-801 Clear stands out for its optical clarity. Models made from the resin do not fade or yellow during post cure and during use.
This photopolymer is suitable for making robust and accurate models for which optical clarity is important.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 70 D
- Color palette: transparent
- Volume: 1 liter
Below are example models printed using the resin:
Washable
Models made on a resin printer are recommended should be washed with alcohol to remove the resin residue. However, om some situations, this is not recommended e.g., when the printer is used in schools. For such cases, manufacturers have created Washable resins.
As the name suggests, washable resins that can be washed with plain water.
Below are the best washable resins on the market:
1. ESUN Water Washable
ESUN Water Washable is in no way inferior in strength and accuracy to other ESUN Standard resins. The only difference is that the finished product can be washed with water rather than alcohol.
ESUN Water Washable resin is well suited for printing at home or in educational institutions due to its low toxicity and lack of odor.
AVAILABLE ON ESUN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 395-410nm
- Shore hardness: 76 D
- Tensile strength: 68 MPa
- Elongation at break: 5-10%
- Flexural strength: 45-70 MPa
- Flexural modulus: 900-1400 MPa
- Izod impact strength: 18-39 J / m
- Color palette: white, transparent, flesh, gray, black.
- Volume: 0.5kg
2. Phrozen Water Washable
resin compares favorably with other water washable resins in terms of strength, durability and short exposure time of the layer.
The resin is suitable for making prototypes and other models at home and in educational institutions, where it is undesirable to use strong smelling alcohols for rinsing.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 80 D
- Color palette: gray, black.
- Volume: 1 kg
3. Wanhao Water Washable
The Wanhao Water Washable is a high resolution resin that has excellent hardness. The resin comes in a wide range of colors and models made from it experience very little shrinkage.
This resin is well suited for printing master models and decorative models, when it is not possible to use alcohol to rinse the final product.
AVAILABLE ON WANHAO
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 395 ~ 420nm
- Shore Hardness: 75D
- Color palette: white, transparent, black, gray
- Volume: 0.5kg, 1kg
Here are some models made using the Wanhao Water Washable resin:
Engineering
Previously, resin 3D printers were mainly used for making master models and products with high precision. Today, they are used for a wide range of tasks. The printers can make ready-made, functional model at once. This is possible thanks to engineering resins with improved characteristics.
Depending on the application, the resin can be harder, more heat resistant and more durable than standard resins.
Reinforced Resins
These are resins with improved characteristics – for example, high heat resistance or impact resistance. The resins can be used to make functional prototypes, engineering models, and so on.
Below are the best reinforced resins.
1. Phrozen TR250-LV
The Phrozen TR250-LV has is specifically designed for engineering applications . In addition to high strength and hardness, the resin has increased heat resistance. It can withstand heating up to 150 degrees.
Phrozen TR250-LV is suitable for printing models for subsequent thermoforming or products that require increased heat resistance.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 79D
- Tensile strength 25 MPa
- Impact strength according to Izod: 6.31 kJ / m2
- Color palette: gray
- Volume: 1 kg
See the print examples made using the Phrozen TR250-LV:
2. Phrozen ABS-like
The Phrozen ABS-like resin has characteristics similar to ABS plastic, which is a common type of filament used in FDM printing. The palette has a white color, this allows, if necessary, to easily paint the finished product.
This resin is suitable for printing functional models and prototypes.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 79D
- Izod impact strength: 2.32 kJ / m2
- Color palette: gray, white
- Volume: 1 kg
Here are example prints made using the resin:
3. Phrozen Rock-Black Stiff
is strong, wear resistance and heat resistance (up to 97 degrees). The models made using the resin are durable and slightly flexible to withstand shock loads.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 81D
- Elongation at break: 4%
- Impact strength according to Izod: 2.68 kJ / m2
- Color palette: black
- Volume: 1 kg
Below are some sample models printed using the resin:
4. Phrozen Nylon Green Tough
Phrozen Nylon Green Tough resin
is comparable to nylon in certain aspect. Nylon is a tough and durable material that is commonly used in FDM printing. Products made from the resin are very durable and resistant to stress. The finished models can also be folded.
This resin is suitable for the manufacture of finished products or functional prototypes.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 68D
- Elongation at break: 130%
- Tensile strength: 19 MPa
- Impact strength according to Izod: 23.79 kJ / m2
- Color palette: green
- Volume: 1 kg
Below are some sample models made using the Phrozen Nylon Green Tough resin:
5. Phrozen TR300 Ultra-High Temp
allows you to quickly produce durable, impact and heat resistant products (up to 160 degrees). The resin compares favorably with its competitors by its short exposure time (1.3 seconds per layer on Phrozen Sonic series 3D printers).
This resin is suitable for the manufacture of heat-resistant and durable products. For example, a model for subsequent thermoforming or the manufacture of an industrial model.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 80D
- Tensile strength: 32 MPa
- Impact strength according to Izod: 8 kJ / m2
- Elongation at break: 2%
- Color palette: gray
- Volume: 1 kg
6. Phrozen Onyx Rigid Pro410
The main properties of the models made of Onyx Rigid Pro410 are amazing details and durability. The resin was developed in partnership with Henkel and is intended primarily for home use.
This resin is perfect for models with a lot of small details. It can also be used for engineering or functional models where high precision and durability are important.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Color palette: Black
- Volume: 1 kg
See some sample models printed using the resin:
Flexible
Products made from flexible resins are similar to silicone or rubber. These resins produce flexible and durable functional products that are resistant to tearing.
Below are the best flexible resins on the market:
1. Phrozen Biege Flex
is designed for products that need to be strong and slightly pliable. The resin is suitable for functional models that need a little flexibility.
AVAILABLE ON TOP3DSHOP
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 65D
- Tensile strength: 40 MPa
- Elastic modulus: 192 MPa
- Color palette: beige
- Volume: 0.5kg
See sample models made using the resin:
2. HARZ Labs Industrial Flex
The properties of finished products from HARZ Labs Industrial Flex are similar to polyurethane. Products from it are elastic and very durable.
HARZ Labs Industrial Flex is suitable for the manufacture of gaskets or any other model where softness and tensile strength are important.
Industrial Flex can be used as an additive for other HARZ Labs resins. This improves the flexibility and strength of the finished model.
Depending on the resin ratio, varying degrees of flexibility can be achieved in the finished product.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 63D
- Shrinkage: 0.5%
- Elongation at break: 103%
- Tensile strength: 13 N / mm2
- Color palette: transparent
- Volume: 0.5kg 1kg
Here are some models printed using the resin:
3. ESUN Flex
is a flexible and durable resin with good wear resistance. Good tensile strength and accuracy make the resin suitable for engineering models.
You can use the resin for products that must be strong and flexible at the same time. These can be engineering prototypes or functional models.
AVAILABLE ON MATTERHACKERS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 85-90 A
- Shrinkage: 6.9%
- Elongation at break: 100-150%
- Flexural strength: 77 Mpa
- Tensile strength: 390-320 kN-m
- Color palette: transparent yellow
- Volume: 0.5kg
See models printed using the ESUN Flex below.
Dental Resins
When introduced in the market, resin 3D printers took the place of irreplaceable assistants in the dental industry. This being the case, there are resins tailored specifically for use in the dental industry
Special Resin
These are special polymers that are designed to solve specific problems. While the resins can be used for multiple purposes, they fully reveal their potential in the very task that they are designed for.
The best special resins include:
1. Harz Labs Dental Soft
was created as a material for simulating gums in demo models. The finished print is pink in color and has high strength and chemical resistance. Despite its flexibility, the finished model will be resistant to deformation. Harz Labs Dental Soft is certified for medical use.
This material is suitable for gum printing or other medical applications.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 87-90D
- Shrinkage: <0.5%
- Elongation at break: 68%
- Tensile Strength: 1.2 N / mm2
- Color palette: pink
- Volume: 0.5kg, 1kg
See sample models made using the resin
2. NextDent Gingiva Mask
is another gum simulation resin from NextDent. This is a flexible and durable resin that works well with the modeling material.
The resin is suitable for a variety of models in the dental industry.
AVAILABLE ON NEXTDENT
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 60 – 75 A
- Elongation at break: 40 – 60%
- Color palette: pink
- Volume: 1 kg
See the models made using the resin:
3. Harz Labs Dental Clear
is a transparent resin that is certified for medical use. Products made from this resin are durable and hard. The products also do not yellow.
This photopolymer is suitable for making surgical templates, demonstration models and even aligners.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 90-92D
- Elongation at break: 4-6%
- Shrinkage: less than 0.5%
- Color palette: transparent
- Volume: 0.5kg, 1kg
Below are sample models made using the resin.
4. Harz Labs Dental Yellow Clear
This resin has properties similar to to Harz Labs Dental Clear. It is just as strong and solid. The only difference is that the color of the resin is not crystal clear, but yellow. The resin is certified for medical use.
Dental Yellow Clear is suitable for making aligners or demo models.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 90-92D
- Elongation at break: 4-6%
- Shrinkage: less than 0.5%
- Color palette: transparent yellow
- Volume: 0.5kg, 1kg
Check the sample models made using the resin below.
Burned Out Resins
In addition to specialized resins in dentistry, burnout or melted materials with low ash content are needed for direct casting.
Before casting, be sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer. Each resin has its own burnout cycle to obtain a good quality cast.
Below are the best burned out resins:
1. ESUN Castable for Dentistry
is designed for direct casting in dentistry. The finished products are smooth and firm. When burned out, ash content is practically absent.
High precision allows ESUN Castable to be used for the manufacture of crowns, bridges and other products for subsequent casting.
AVAILABLE ON ESUN STORE
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore Hardness: 80D
- Elongation at break: 11-20%
- Flexural strength: 49-58 Mpa
- Impact strength according to Izod: 44 – 49 J / m
- Color palette: green
- Volume: 1 kg
Below are some sample models printed using the resin:
2. Phrozen Wax-like Dental Green
is a low shrinkage, zero ash wax like resin. Due to the low shrinkage, the finished products are very accurate. Also, the matte surface will help you to see even small imperfections.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Color palette: green
- Volume: 0.5kg
Here is a model made using the resin.
3. HARZ Labs Dental Cast Cherry
was developed for direct casting of dental products. With the correct combustion cycle, it is possible to achieve almost zero ash content. The photopolymer is certified for medical use.
Dental Cast Cherry is suitable for casting crowns and bridges made of metal or ceramic.
The manufacturer recommends using phytomasses based on phosphates. This is because you can work with them at high temperatures, which is required for high-quality burning of the model.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 40-50D
- Shrinkage: less than 1%
- Color palette: red
- Volume: 1 kg
Here are sample models made using the resin.
4. NextDent Cast
This is an easy-to-burn resin with zero ash content. The resin is designed for the manufacture of burned out dental models.
AVAILABLE ON NEXTDENT
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shore hardness: 80-90D:
- Color palette: red
- Volume: 1 kg
See some models made from the resin:
5. DETAX Freeprint Cast UV
is a precision resin designed for fast fabrication of dental products. Finished products can be used for direct casting. This resin burns out ashlessly, even with large casting volumes. It is recommended to use phosphate-based compounds for shaping.
AVAILABLE ON DETAX
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 378 – 388 nm
- Color palette: red
- Volume: 1 kg
Check the sample models below:
Burnt Resins
Apart from dentistry, 3D printers are firmly established in the jewelry industry. 3D printing allows you to create complex products much faster than classical methods (hand carving of wax, CNC machine, etc). Burnout resins have been created especially for jewelers.
Below are the best burnout resins for jewelry making.
1. ESUN Castable for Jewelers
resin is specially developed for printing and subsequent casting of small models with high detail. Products from the resin have smooth and almost zero ash content. This makes it easy to get the right product in the metal.
The resin is suitable for printing jewelry – rings, pendants, earrings and other burnout models where precision and perfect surface quality are important.
AVAILABLE ON ESUN STORE
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 395-405 nm
- Shore hardness: 60 D
- Color palette: yellow, green
- Volume: 1 kg
Here are some sample models:
2. Phrozen Wax-like Castable Violet
Phrozen Wax-like Castable Violet
is a wax-like polymer with low shrinkage and zero ash content. Products from the resin have a pleasant opaque surface on which will be seen the slightest imperfection.
Wax-like Castable is suitable for making any burnable models.
AVAILABLE ON PHROZEN
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP/LCD/LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Color palette: purple
- Volume: 0.5kg
Check the printed samples below.
3. HARZ Labs Jewelry J-Cast
resin is developed for the manufacture of burned-out models for subsequent metal casting. It’s characters of high precision, low shrinkage (less than 1%) and low ash content (less than 0.1%) allow even very small items to be printed without distortion.
This resin is suitable for jewelry printing. Due to its high thermoplasticity, the resin can be burned out over a wide temperature range. The result is a product with a smooth surface.
AVAILABLE ON HARZ LABS STORE
Specifications
- Print technology: DLP / LCD / LED
- UV wavelength: 405 nm
- Shrinkage: less than 1%
- Color palette: blue
- Volume: 1 kg
Here are some sample models:
Conclusion
The various types of resins available make it possible to make various products from resin 3D printers. 3D printing not only helps to shorten the production chain in large enterprises, but has also become an indispensable tool for small home workshops.
When working with photopolymer resins, do not forget about safety precautions. In particular, remember the following:
- Wear gloves when working with resin. Uncured resin, even hypoallergenic, can irritate the skin.
- Stir the resin well before use. Colorants and other fillers can settle to the bottom of the can.
- Store photopolymer in an opaque container away from light.
- If you are pouring leftover resin from the 3D printer back into the jar, be sure to strain it.
- Print in a well-ventilated area.
- Check out the information about the resin on the manufacturer’s website. There may be important precautions to keep in mind. For example, some resins cannot be immersed in isopropyl alcohol for long periods of time.
The above are the best 3D printer resins for different uses.
