How to Use High Clear Resin

When it comes to using a resin 3D printer to produce clear and transparent prints, there are certain materials and approaches to consider.

This resin is transparent and smooth, making it ideal for producing fine details and visually appealing presentation models.

In this guide, we will discuss High-Clear Resin, its advantages, uses, properties of the material, and tips to get the best results while using the transparent resin.

1. What is Clear Resin?

High-clear resin is designed to produce prints with high transparency and is cured by UV light. It is mostly employed in resin 3D printers for applications requiring light transparency.

However, in some cases, the transparency can be different due to the time of exposition, post-treatment, and thickness of the model.

Benefits

• Clear resin provides a smooth surface finish, which makes it suitable for display purposes.
• It provides detailed accuracy and detail on a high level; it can depict even minor features.
• The transparency enables one to inspect the internal parts of the model with ease.
• Includes additional processes like sanding and polishing after the spraying process.
• It may be painted to enhance its look or given a colour coat to suit the required colour pattern.

Applications

• Appropriate for making lenses and light covers because it is transparent.
• This is commonly found in display models that need ease of differentiation.
• Appropriate for the analysis of internal movement of fluids for flow simulations.
• Well-known in engineering and architectural models to demonstrate the interior framework.
• It has been applied in dental models to enhance the visibility of the model’s anatomical features.

Material Properties

• Clear resin has less mechanical strength than the others and is thus perfect for intricate prints.
• Reduced shrinkage minimizes distortion of the print and its size.
• It has a quality print resolution that enables a user to print clear images with a lot of detail.
• Cures effectively under standard UV light sources.
• It may turn yellow with time if it is not stored properly or if it is not post-cured.

2. Using Clear Resin for 3D Printing

Clear resin is good for making clear parts, but working with such resin can be challenging to preserve the clarity of the printed and finished part.

Choose the Right Printer

To avoid the layer lines being visible, one needs to use a high-resolution SLA or MSLA printer. These printers are useful because they provide enough detail that will be required when making the prints.

Optimize Layer Settings

In this case, the layer height should be between 0.025 mm and 0.05 mm; using thin layers provides better details of the print and preserves the transparency of the resin by reducing streaks on the surface of the print.

Clean Prints Gently

After printing, wash the models in 90–99% isopropyl alcohol. Do not shake or brush the samples vigorously, as this may cause scratching or hazing of the surface and may obscure the clarity.

Post-Cure Correctly

Remove your prints and cure them under a UV light for the necessary amount of time. If the material is cured for too long, it becomes yellow or brittle; if not cured enough, the material will be weak and opaque.

Polish for Transparency

There are also progressive sanding techniques that involve the use of fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound. To obtain the ideal polish, use a clear coat and apply a clear resin coat or go for a resin dip to make it as translucent as before.

3. Notes on Transparent Resin Printing

For clear and transparent prints, it is important to pay close attention to the printing and post-processing procedures. SLA (stereolithography) or MSLA printers are advised to be used as they produce more polished surfaces and fewer layer lines, which makes them more transparent. 

More proper orientation of the model and even less thickness (e.g., 0.025-0.05 mm) can also help minimize layer lines. The final steps are also important: wash prints carefully with isopropyl alcohol, cure prints for anti-yellowing, and sand and polish prints for a glass-like finish.

A clear coat or resin dip can be used to fill up small pits and porosity while increasing overall transparency.

The storage of transparent resin should occur in a dark and cool environment to prevent changes in its properties from light exposure or heat effects.

4. How to Clean a Resin Printer

The following procedure list details the important steps to follow after each printing session:

• Using gloves and protective goggles is essential when working with uncured res because it leads to skin rashes and eye irritations.
• Empty the resin vat slowly before straining the remaining resin through fine mesh and returning the filtrate to its original container for future use.
• Take out the build plate and clean it with a cloth moistened with 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol in order to remove any remaining resin.
• Wipe the resin vat softly with a soft and lint-free fabric and isopropyl alcohol. Do not scratch the FEP film at the bottom of the wafer.
• It is recommended that the cured resin that may stick on the surface of the vat be removed by using a plastic scraper.
• Use alcohol to remove any splashes or fingerprint marks on the surface of the printer.
• It is also important to clean the LCD screen located below the vat more often to ensure correct prints are produced and avert any problems with the display.
• Maintenance is done to prevent mechanical problems, while the quality of prints on paper is maintained to be as sharp as possible.

Conclusion

When applied accurately, clear resin produces clear and precise outcomes on the items. To achieve the best results, use a high-resolution resin 3D printer and select a quality transparent or UV resin designed for clarity.

These resins are best used for applications that require clear prints and small details for a professional finish, with high resolution and a polished surface.

FAQ

1. What is the exposure time of high-clear resin?

The exposure time for high-clear resin is usually between 3.6 and 4.0 seconds per layer, but this should be done according to the instructions of the resin supplier.

2. How long does clear resin take to set?

Clear resin typically cures in 1 to 5 minutes under UV light during post-curing, depending on layer thickness and UV intensity.

3. Can I paint over clear resin?

Yes, it is possible to paint clear resin once you have prepared the surface by sanding it and painting it with a primer. It is recommended to use acrylic paints and alcohol inks in the process of creating such art.

4. What happens if you overcure UV resin?

Curing the UV resin for too long can cause it to turn yellow and also make the final model rigid in terms of its surface quality and strength. 

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