Resin Mixing and Dispensing
Overview
Resins are curable liquid polymers used in Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS™) production. During printing, projected UV light cures the resin into parts, which are then post-processed. Before printing, the resin must be mixed and dispensed into the printer cassette.
The principles outlined in these documents are all of the mixing and dispensing procedures used in DLS production. Every material will use some combination of these processes as specified in their protocol. Reference resin protocol sheets for details about the material you are printing.
Carbon printers support two types of resins: one-part and two-part. Mixing and dispensing procedures vary between the two types.
One-Part Resins
- Single component
- Remixed as specified
- Dispensed into transfer container or cassette directly
- Reusable when filtered (no pot life)
Two-Part Resins
- Dual component - Part A and Part B
- Parts remixed separately as specified
- A:B mixed during or just before dispensing into container or cassette
- Limited pot life once mixed
Before Dispensing
Resin Storage
All resins have storage protocol that are critical to successful mixing and dispensing.
In addition to standard resin storage guidelines, reference resin protocol sheets for the storage specifics about the material you are printing.
- Temperature range of storage conditions
- Minimum shelf life and expiration dates
- Packaging options, which dictates container types
- After opening conditioning requirements
- Notes about special considerations
Thermal Processing
Some resins may crystallize or freeze at lower temperatures requiring a thermal processing step, also known as incubation, prior to dispensing.
Reference this downloadable PDF for instructions.
Inspect Cassette
Cassette inspection is critical to ensure the window is in proper condition for printing to maintain print quality and avoid permanent damage to the cassette.
Always check the cassette before dispensing resin. See Cassette Inspection for more information.