There I was, admiring my sleek Anycubic Photon Mono X resin 3D printer, when a thought popped into my tech-loving mind: can one blend different 3D printer resins? Without hesitation, I plunged into the depths of my research. By blending 3D printer resins, one can not only modify the hue but also tweak the mechanical attributes of a 3D printed resin artifact. Some tech fans prefer to mix clear resin with tints, birthing their own unique shades. Infusing regular resin with flexible resin? It’s a fabulous strategy to amplify its resilience.
Hold tight, dear reader, as we unravel more layers of this intriguing narrative.
How Does Mixing 3D Printer Resin Work?
If you’re working with resins of the same pedigree, feel free to merge colors or even different brands. Some brave souls even dabble in mixing resins with varying characteristics, like pliable or robust resins. If your 3D prints are on the fragile side, incorporating some sturdy resin might be your golden ticket. While high-grade resins can be pricier than their counterparts, blending them can offer a balanced, economical solution.
Remember, interfering with the curing rhythm could spell disaster! So, always opt for transparent tough or flexible resins. While combining different resin formulas, be mindful that they might have contrasting curing sequences; hence, not all mixtures guarantee a match made in heaven. After blending, one must adjust the curing or exposure duration accordingly. Printers with resin vats equipped with capacitive sensors might have their sensing thrown off-kilter when introducing mixed resins. My trusty Anycubic Photon Mono X has this handy -Max- indicator to ensure you don’t overfill.
When you’ve concocted a new resin mix, especially with a color variance, it’s paramount to fine-tune your printing settings. Take it as a fresh resin challenge: no standard settings, yet an opportunity to find a sweet spot between recommended values. Transparent resins generally have a quicker cure time than their darker counterparts. As your resin printing journey progresses, you’ll develop a keen sense for what clicks and what doesn’t.
Instead of trudging through trial and error, tap into the knowledge of seasoned resin users. They’re a goldmine of insights! My golden nugget of advice? Blend your resins outside the vat, ensuring a smooth, hiccup-free process.
Dying to Dye Your 3D Printer SLA Resin?
Yes, you can! With the right liquid dyes designed for 3D printer resin, you can craft mesmerizing custom hues. Steer clear of powdered dyes unless they’re ultra-fine – precision is key in SLA printing. A few adventurous souls tried food coloring – not the brightest idea. It may look promising initially, but the print outcome? Distorted colors and fragility.
However, if you’re aiming to tint specific segments of your print, consider painting post-printing. Simply immerse the desired parts in dyed resin or artistically brush on the color.
A trendy endeavor these days is crafting a gradient or color-transitioning object. Start with your primary resin for the object’s base. Midway through the print, progressively introduce the dye, achieving that dreamy hue transition.
Masterclass: How to Dye Resin for 3D Printing
Want to be a resin color maestro? Gather your dyes, liquid resin, a mixing cup, wooden stir sticks, and scales. I highly recommend the Monocure 3D CMYK Pigment Set available on Amazon, paired with the Anycubic Clear Resin or Elegoo White Resin. Both are top-notch choices available on Amazon.
Essential Tools:
– Monocure CMYK Pigment Set
– Disposable Mixing Cup
– Wooden Stirrers
– Precision Mini Scales
DIY Resin Coloring Guide:
1. Place a plastic cup on the mini scales and pour in 100 grams of rapid model resin.
2. Reset your scale.
3. For a transparent green hue: mix in 2 drops each of cyan and yellow pigments.
4. Stir vigorously with your wooden stick until perfection.
Experiment with dye combinations to uncover a plethora of shades. Note down the resin and pigment quantities for future reference. Remember, excessive pigment can alter curing times. Dark shades typically require longer curing than transparent or light ones.
Post-Mix Resin Storage
Once mixed, resins can be stored in UV-shielded containers. While the mixture’s hue may slightly shift over time, a good shake should restore its original luster. I suggest Polyethylene or High Density Polyethylene bottles – they’re dark and protect against light, akin to regular resin containers. Check the bottle base for ‘PE’ or ‘HDPE’ to ensure it’s the right kind. Avoid poor-quality plastics which resin might degrade.