---
title: Resin Mixing and Dispensing
slug: process/resin-mixing-dispensing
description: This overview provides the key distinctions between one-part and two-part resins, including their applications, shelf life, and mechanical properties.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-28T23:19:31.145Z
---

# 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.

- [Dental Materials](docId\:LJaakrscGxL6cCrIgvprj) 
- [Elastomeric Materials](docId\:fp8qh0B0NMEh9R3jQTZAi) 
- [Rigid Materials](docId\:xVYoP41S1t9WjDNPYiDV_) 

Carbon printers support two types of resins: **one-part **and **two-part. **Mixing and dispensing procedures vary between the two types.

::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"}
:::VerticalSplitItem
**One-Part** Resins


- Single component
- Remixed as specified
- Dispensed into transfer container or cassette directly
- Reusable when filtered (no pot life)

![Example one-part resin dispensing](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Process/Resin-Mixing-Dispensing/1-part-resins.png)
:::

:::VerticalSplitItem
**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



![Example two-part resin dispensing](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Process/Resin-Mixing-Dispensing/2-part-resins.png)
:::
::::

# Before Dispensing

## Resin Storage

:::hint{type="warning"}
All resins have storage protocol that are <u>critical to successful mixing and dispensing</u>.&#x20;
:::

In addition to standard [resin storage](docId:1Eza6pyDO_uCTnosWpgIE) guidelines, reference [resin protocol sheets](docId\:qsOQBEdCnaBfdx656tlY6) for the storage specifics about the material you are printing.

- **Temperature** range of storage conditions
- **Minimum shelf life&#x20;**&#x61;nd expiration dates
- **Packaging** options, which dictates container types
- **After opening** conditioning requirements
- **Notes&#x20;**&#x61;bout 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.

:::hint{type="info"}
Reference this downloadable PDF for instructions.

::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/RARgfnxBS7FnQzm-evFYq-20260218-210534.pdf" label="Resin Thermal Processing v0502.pdf"}
:::

## 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.

:::hint{type="warning"}
Always check the cassette before dispensing resin. See [Cassette Inspection](docId\:Y_IMi7AeVLyJbsATEXxdB) for more information.
:::