--- title: Materials Overview slug: materials description: This page provides a brief overview of Carbon and Carbon compatible resins, including the distinct benefits of One-Part and Two-Part formulations. docTags: createdAt: 2024-05-23T16:45:02.078Z --- # Introduction Carbon resins are the raw materials from which parts are built using Digital Light Synthesis™. These curable liquid polymers are shaped using a series of projected UV light images. All parts printed on a Carbon printer have** isotropic material properties** due to Carbon's patented CLIP technology. Click a link below to go to a specific material group: ::::LinkArray{contentSource="CUSTOM"} :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-IOQIJkNnkbUAw9Q-ap1FV-20241115-235121.jpg"} [Dental Materials](docId\:LJaakrscGxL6cCrIgvprj) ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-yZnHZ5VDqzKJosZJznLXm-20241119-021407.png"} [Elastomeric Materials](docId\:fp8qh0B0NMEh9R3jQTZAi) ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-xNW60Acbs7Okn-DFgj_gP-20241126-190310.jpg"} [Rigid Materials](docId\:xVYoP41S1t9WjDNPYiDV_) ::: :::: :::hint{type="success"} Valuable information is available as printable handouts to be used in your production facility: - [Dental Post-Processing Grids](docId\:BpjqrhGaWLhCHkvgPpY2L) - [Lab Reference Grids](docId\:UJF4K0NY4lYE74ZoHX1R-) ::: ## Safety Data Sheets (SDS) An SDS is a document that lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products. These documents can be found on Carbon's main website here: [www.carbon3d.com/stewardship](https://www.carbon3d.com/stewardship?search=sds) ## Pricing :::hint{type="info"} Resin prices (including bulk prices) are available on the [Carbon Resin Price List](docId:9wjoL9N6UfJqeivqMUlRZ)* (login required).* ::: ## Compliance and Safety Documentation Safety data sheets and other compliance-related documentation (ROHS, REACH, etc.) for all Carbon resins can be found at [https://www.carbon3d.com/stewardship](https://www.carbon3d.com/stewardship). # One-Part Resins These materials are single component formulations. They are typically best suited for prototyping or specialized applications, and are used extensively in oral health. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Characteristics** - Single component - Poured directly into the cassette - Reusable - Printed parts are cured using UV light only - Optional color mixing **Mechanical Properties** - Lower mechanical strength & abrasion resistance ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Bottle of DPR 10 resin](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/materials_overview/One-part-dpr10.png) ::: :::: # Two-Part Resins These materials consist of two components, **part A and part B.** They are packaged separately and must be combined and properly mixed before being dispensed into the printer cassette for printing. :::hint{type="success"} See [Resin Mixing and Dispensing](docId:4lwK3k36RFqf2RAOVXszx) for more information on mixing options and processes. ::: The mixed resin has a defined pot life or working time, generally 8 hours. Please refer to the material protocol sheet for the exact pot life for the material in question. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Characteristics:** - Dual component resins - Part A & B - Part A & B mixed at the time of dispensing - Limited lifetime (pot life) for use once mixed - Dual Cure - Printed parts are cured in an oven to achieve ultimate mechanical properties **Mechanical Properties:** - Strong and abrasion-resistant ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Cans of RPU 70 Part A and Part B](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/materials_overview/Two-part-rpu70.png) ::: :::: ## Dual Cure Carbon resins are unique due to their dual cure process. The first cure occurs during printing, where DLP projection of UV light sets the liquid resin into a solid shape. This initial UV cure creates a **"green state"** part, which is solid enough to be handled, cleaned, and prepared for further processing. The second cure, known as the **thermal cure or bake,** involves a precise thermal process performed in a convection oven. During this step, the material undergoes extensive cross-linking, transforming into a highly durable, engineering-grade material. ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/materials_overview/dual-cure-resin01.png) # Material Selection Selecting an appropriate material is a critical component of the part's success. This selection process can be complex and confusing. The following information offers some guidance. **Material Selection Process** The material selection process will narrow the list of manufacturing methods available for an application and provide a handful of suitable materials. Knowing the material options for DLS manufacturing is important for establishing design possibilities. ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem **Identify** the end-use application of the component. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem **Evaluate** the critical performance needs of the application. - Material type: - Rigid - Elastomer - Temperature requirements - Chemical resistance - Biocompatibility needs - Needed mechanical performance ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem **Select** a suitable material by reviewing material resources. - [DLS Design Quick Guide ](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) This guide contains resources that will help you select a material. - **Material Property Summary Chart** - This table lists the properties of all Carbon materials in one place. A great reference for engineers and designers! - **Material Chemical Compatibility** - This table summarizes degradation of Carbon materials as tested against common chemicals. - [Material Technical Data Sheets](https://www.carbon3d.com/materials)** (TDS)** This page shows all of the materials available on Carbon's platform including rigid, elastomeric and dental specific resins. Click on a material category to see the full list with links to TDSs. - [Carbon Alternatives to Common Thermoplastics](https://docs.carbon3d.com/files/one-pagers/carbon-thermoplastic-comparison-table.pdf)**** Comparison table of common thermoplastics to Carbon materials ::: ::::