Two-Part Resin Dispensing
Carbon dual-cure resins are delivered as two separate components that must be mixed together before printing. This information below provides a broad overview of the various options that customers have for purchasing, mixing and dispensing these resins.
Our resin components are available in a range of volumes that can be mixed using a third-party equipment, allowing users to choose what suits their needs best. The following information will describe the options available as well as provide context so that you can make the best choice for your business.
Carbon two-part resins are available in a range of packaging options. All packages keep the two components (Part A and Part B) separate. These should be mixed just before printing to maximize the useful life of the resin. There are two categories of resin packaging: cartridges and bulk.
This packaging allows users to conveniently purchase resin in pre-measured quantities, in volumes ranging from 375 to 400 mL. The mixing and dispensing process is streamlined into a single step: a dispenser pushes both components through a mixing tip and into the printer cassette. Cartridges are particularly effective for tasks such as prototyping, low-volume production or high-volume production of small parts.
- Includes both Part A and Part B components stored in separate chambers.
- No weighing or measuring is necessary. Precisely measured and designed to dispense in the correct A:B ratio.
- Mixing and dispensing are performed simultaneously using a dispenser.
Bulk packaging enables the user to purchase larger quantities of resin components, from 5 liters up to 1000 liters. Each component is packed and available separately. Bulk resins are particularly well suited for production applications, where larger volumes of resin are required and cost is critical.
See Bulk Mixing for more information.
Cans
- 5 L or 19 L
- Separately packaged A & B
- Mixed using third-party accessories
Drums
- 180 L
- Separately packaged A & B
- Mixed using third-party accessories
IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
- 1000 L
- 950 L for EPU 44 and EPU 46
- Separately packaged A & B
- Mixed using third-party accessories
Spec Sheet
Carbon two-part resins are mixed using a variety of third-party mixing equipment. Please review the options provided below to help you choose the option that aligns best with your specific application.
The only option for mixing and dispensing resin from cartridges is to use a dispenser, also called a dispensing gun. This battery powered device pushes both components through a mixing tip where they are mixed. After passing through the mixing tip, the resin is mixed and ready for printing.
Switching resins is as easy as switching cartridges.
Users have much more flexibility when it comes to mixing bulk resins, with several types of mixers available from many third-party vendors.
The following accessories are used for all bulk mixing options except MMD.
- Scales
- Used for measuring components before mixing
- Accurate to 0.01 g
- Opaque amber nalgenes
- Protects contents from UV light
- Helpful for downpacking where components are stored in smaller containers so materials are easier to dispense.
- Can hold tint bases for EPU 46.
- Plastic cups
- Used to contain components during mixing
- Polypropylene or HDPE recommended
- Disposable pipettes
- Used to dispense very small amount of a component
Vortex and planetary mixers use containers that are specifically designed for each mixer to hold resin during mixing.
- Cans for vortex mixer
- Purpose built cans to contain resin during mixing
- Containers for planetary mixer
- Designed to withstand the rotational forces of the planetary mixer
The following equipment can be used to mix bulk resins.
Vortex mixer
A vortex mixer operates by rapidly spinning a sealed container creating a swirling vortex. The contents are blended without the need for stirring rods or blades. This technology is widely used for mixing paint.
Vortex mixers are good fit for most production applications. They can be particularly useful for larger scale production where large quantities of resin are required for each build.
Overhead mixer
An overhead mixer blends components by spinning a long shaft with blades or other mixing elements. The shaft can be raised or lowered for larger or smaller containers. The mixer's speed, direction, and duration of mixing can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the materials being processed.
Overhead mixers offer great flexibility as they can mix large or small batches.
Planetary mixer
A planetary mixer operates by combining planetary rotation with centrifugal force. The mixing container spins on its axis while orbiting around a central point, ensuring effective blending and dispersion of materials.
Different planetary mixers are required for different container sizes.
Meter Mix Dispenser
A meter mix dispenser or MMD precisely measures and combines components in predetermined ratios. Parts A and B are loaded into separate containers. These components are then pumped through separate channels, and the dispenser accurately meters them before mixing them together, ensuring a consistent blend. Once calibrated, various quantities can be easily be dispensed without further calculations.
An MMD is the best fit for high volume production given it's speed, reliability and accuracy.
The following table compares all of the mixing methods. Use this to help evaluate which option would work best for your situation. If you have questions, please contact your Carbon business contact.
Packaging | Mixer | Max Capacity | Total Process Time | Hands-On Time | Equipment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cartridge | Dispenser | 400 g | 14 minutes | 1 minute | Included with subscription |
Bulk - can, drum, or IBC | Vortex | 1800 g | 17 minutes | 3 minutes | $$ |
Bulk - can, drum, or IBC | Overhead | 15,000 g | 14 - 30 minutes* | 4 minutes | $$ |
Bulk - can, drum, or IBC | Planetary 300 g | 300 g | 9 minutes | 3 minutes | $$$ |
Bulk - can, drum, or IBC | Planetary 2000 g | 2000 g | 12 minutes | 5 minutes | $$$$ |
Bulk - can, drum, or IBC | Meter-Mix Dispense | 12,000 g | < 1 minute | 10 seconds | $$$$ |
* Total processing time varies according to the amount of resin being mixed. 3000 g would mix in about 10 minutes while mixing the maximum amount of 15,000 g would take approximately 25 minutes.
The following videos show the workflow for each of the mixing options presented above. They show how easy mixing can be! Time codes are included to illustrate approximately how long each process takes.
For cartridges only.