While diving into my tech projects, a query popped up in my mind about the resilience of resin models. Are they prone to melting, or can they withstand some warmth? Curiosity drove me to delve deeper into the topic. Surprisingly, resin models don’t melt, as they aren’t thermoplastics. Push them to their limits, like 180°C, and you’d see them char and degrade. Once these resin creations harden post-curing, there’s no reverting them to their former fluid form. Worryingly, they tend to lose their robustness or get a bit flexible when the thermometer reads between 40-70°C. Hungry for more? Dive right in!
Can Resin Creations Withstand Heat? What’s Their Melting Point?
A pivotal thing to understand is that resin models aren’t thermoplastics. Meaning, once they’ve solidified post-curing, they don’t revert to a liquid state. Many hobbyists mistake the softening of their resin creations for melting. Often, it’s because the uncured resin within the model wasn’t adequately drained, causing it to cure slowly. This slow curing results in internal heat and pressure build-up, leading to potential cracks or, in worst cases, causing the model to rupture.
If you notice resin seeping from a creation, it’s a sign that internal pressure forced the uncured resin out. To avoid such messy scenarios, mastering the art of resin printing is crucial. Here are some of my tips: Master the Technique of Hollowing Resin Prints & Dig Holes Like a Pro.
For a vivid depiction, check out Advanced Greekery’s clip. A series of 14-month-old Rook models began oozing hazardous, uncured resin. He listed potential causes: LED light heat, room temperature, possible reactions between the shelf paint and resin, or trapped uncured resin. After detailed investigation, he concluded that trapped resin was the real culprit.
How Heat-Resistant Are Resin Creations?
Some resin models can fend off high temperatures, especially if made from specialized, heat-resistant resin types like Peopoly Moai Hi-Temp Nex Resin. This particular resin stands strong at a whopping 180°C. Another observation: Elegoo resin models might start showing wear near 200°C and begin to degrade heavily around 500°C, releasing noticeable vapors.
Mainstream resins, such as Anycubic or Elegoo, handle heat decently but start to lose their firmness near 40°C. For tasks demanding high-heat resilience, opting for heat-resistant resins is the way to go, albeit they might be pricier. A neat trick? Blend these high-temp resins with regular ones. It might bolster durability and heat resistance simultaneously.
For those looking to push boundaries, why not try casting models in silicone for supreme heat-resistance? Tech enthusiast Integza came up with an ingenious method of crafting high-temp ceramic pieces using porcelain resin. These wonders can endure temperatures as extreme as 1,000°C. Beware, though; you’d need to steadily up the temperature by 5° every 90 seconds until you hit 1,300°C to purge the resin and obtain a pure ceramic masterpiece.
Insights on Elegoo Resin’s Heat Resistance
Elegoo’s ABS-like resin has a thermal distortion threshold of around 70°C. Beyond this, models may become soft or even combust. Experiments with a heat gun revealed that Elegoo Resin began cracking at 200°C. At 500°C, extensive cracking and gas emission were observed.
Temperature Resilience of Anycubic Resin
Anycubic Resin boasts a glass transition temperature close to 85°C. Interestingly, its Plant-Based Resin variant seems to have a lower threshold. Printing under chilly conditions, like in a winter garage setting of 10-15°C, still delivers admirable results with this resin.
High-Temp SLA Resin Recommendations
Diving into the world of high-temperature resins, I’ve come across some gems. Here’s a quick roundup:
– Phrozen Functional Resin: Tailored for LCD 3D printers, this resin stands firm till about 120°C and is available on popular shopping sites for about $50 for 1KG.
– Siraya Tech Sculpt 3D Printer Resin: As touched upon earlier, it’s heat-resistant up to 160°C and priced around $40 for 1KG.
– Formlabs High Temp Resin 1L: This premium resin claims a heat deflection point of 238°C. It pairs best with Formlabs printers, priced at approximately $200.
– Peopoly Moai Hi-Temp Nex Resin: This wonder can withstand up to 180°C and has various impressive attributes, retailing for about $70, with occasional discounts.
Intrigued about other aspects of 3D printing? Dive into topics such as: Making 3D Prints More Heat Resilient (Using PLA), Best Heat-Resistant 3D Printing Filaments, or How to Fine-Tune Your 3D Printer’s Temperature Settings.