3D printing has revolutionized product design, prototyping, and hobbying. With a good 3D printer and quality materials, anyone can turn their ideas into tangible objects right at home. When it comes to resin 3D printing, one of the most popular materials is Elegoo resin.
Elegoo is a leading manufacturer of LCD resin 3D printers like the Elegoo Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter. They also produce their own branded standard and specialty resins specifically formulated to work with their printers. Elegoo resins come in different colors and finishes and can be used to print highly detailed miniatures, jewelry, tools, gadgets, and more.
Why Choose Elegoo Resin?
Here are some key reasons why Elegoo resin is a top choice for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals:
Optimized for Elegoo Printers – Elegoo standard and specialty resins are designed to provide the best print results on Elegoo LCD 3D printers like the Mars 2 Pro, Saturn, and Jupiter. The resins are tested to ensure excellent compatibility and performance.
High Print Resolution – Elegoo resins can produce very fine detail down to 0.01mm, allowing you to print intricate and complex designs smoothly. The resins cure into smooth, durable models.
Range of Colors and Finishes – Choose from black, white, gray, transparent, and colored resins in different shore hardness levels. Elegoo offers resins in matte, glossy, and ABS-like finishes to suit your application.
Safe and Easy to Use – Elegoo resins are non-toxic and safe to use at home. The bottles come with childproof caps and the resins have low odor. Cleaning cured models is easy with alcohol.
Affordable Pricing – Considering the quality, Elegoo resins are very reasonably priced. The standard resin starts at around $30 per liter. You get premium results without the premium cost.
Elegoo Mars 3D Printer Compatible Resins
The Elegoo Mars is one of the most popular LCD resin 3D printers for hobbyists. It has high XY resolution and a 2K monochrome LCD screen. Here are some Elegoo resins that work excellently with the Mars to deliver stunning prints:
- Elegoo Standard Resin – The all-purpose resin for versatile printing with the Mars. It comes in gray, black, white, green, transparent, and more.
- Elegoo ABS-like Resin – Mimics ABS plastic properties. Ideal for printing functional prototypes, tools, gadgets, and models needing enhanced stiffness and heat resistance.
- Elegoo Water-Washable Resin – Cured models can be cleaned with water instead of alcohol for easier post-processing. Perfect for printing jewelry and dental models.
- Elegoo Flexible Resin – Has rubber-like elasticity while retaining detail. Suitable for gaskets, robotics parts, phone cases and more.
- Elegoo Ceramic Resin – Contains ceramic particles to create objscts that can be fired into ceramic. Ideal for arts and crafts like jewelry, cups or decorative items.
Getting the Best Results from Elegoo Resin
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Elegoo resin when 3D printing:
- Carefully measure and mix the resin before pouring it into the printer’s vat according to Elegoo’s recommended ratio.
- Give the resin bottle a good shake before use to prevent sedimentation.
- Store resin bottles away from direct sunlight to avoid curing inside the bottle.
- Use the recommended print settings for the specific Elegoo resin type you are using. The Mars 2 Pro comes with preconfigured profiles.
- Consider using a resin vat warmer to maintain the resin at the ideal printing temperature of 25°C to 30°C.
- Level the build platform properly before each print for good adhesion. Use the Flint Read method for best results.
- Clean the LCD screen occasionally to prevent cured resin buildup affecting print quality.
- Allow prints to cure in UV light for the recommended time before washing and curing again in a UV chamber.
- Take safety precautions like wearing nitrile gloves and an organic vapor respirator when handling resin. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Exploring Elegoo’s Wide Range of Specialty Resins
Beyond its standard resin, Elegoo has developed many advanced specialty resins for unique applications:
Ceramic Resin – Infused with ceramic particles, it can be fired into genuine ceramic after printing. Available in white and gray.
Dental Model Resin – Formulated for printing dental models like retainers, aligners, nightguards, and partials requiring high accuracy and biocompatibility.
Castable Resin – Designed to burn out cleanly for lost-wax casting of jewelry, metal parts, etc.
Engineering Resin – Provides excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance for functional engineering prototypes and end-use parts.
Jewelry Resin – Polishes to a jewel-like finish to create stunning jewelry pieces directly or as lost-wax casting patterns.
Molding Resin – Has high elongation and tear strength for mold making of silicone, polyurethane, and low-melt alloys.
High Temp Resin – Withstands temperatures up to 289°C. Suitable for automotive, aerospace, and electronics prototypes and manufacturing tools.
Flexible Resin – Offers rubber-like elasticity for applications like gaskets, seals, gloves, footwear, grips, and more.
Water-Washable Resin – Parts can be cleaned under running water instead of alcohol for faster, easier post-processing.
Getting Your Elegoo LCD Printer Ready
To start printing with Elegoo resin right out of the box, here are a few quick tips:
- Carefully unbox and assemble the printer following Elegoo’s video guides. Take care not to damage the LCD panel.
- Level the build plate appropriately. Improper bed leveling can ruin prints. Use the handy Flint Read method specific to Elegoo printers.
- Add resin to the vat up to the ‘MAX’ level line. Stir the resin gently to disperse pigments evenly.
- Install the latest firmware from Elegoo’s website for your specific printer model. Firmware updates fix bugs and improve functionality.
- Download the .ctb profiles for your resin from the Elegoo website and import them into the printer’s slicing software like Chitubox.
- Run exposure calibration prints to dial in the optimum exposure times for layer, base, and normal exposure with your resin.
- Set up the printer in a ventilated area and take safety precautions like wearing gloves and a respirator mask when handling resin.
With the right setup and some test prints, you’ll be ready to start printing amazing models with the superb quality Elegoo LCD printers and resins are known for!
Troubleshooting Elegoo Resin Print Issues
As with any 3D printing, you may occasionally face print failures and quality issues with Elegoo resin. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Models Detaching from Platform – Tighten build plate bolts fully. Level build plate properly and increase bottom layer exposure time. Gently sand plate with fine grit paper to improve adhesion.
Warped Models – Tighten bolts under vat evenly. Ensure ambient temperature around 25°C. Use sufficient supports and optimize orientation.
Layers Separation – Increase layer exposure time. Check for screen damage. Ensure resin is mixed well and no debris on screen. Gently stir resin between prints.
Resin Not Curing – Check UV lights are working. Lights degrade over time. Ensure sufficient exposure times. Stir old resin before use to redisperse curing agents.
Poor Detail – Calibrate exposure times with validation matrix model. Optimize orientation and increase supports. Update firmware and lcd screen. Filter resin before use.
Models Sticking to FEP Film – Lubricate film surface with PTFE or FEP spray. Increase lift height and speed. Replace worn out FEP film.
Finishing Elegoo Printed Resin Models
As Elegoo resins produce high-detail models with smooth surfaces, just a few finishing steps are needed:
- Wash the print thoroughly in isopropyl alcohol to remove excess liquid resin. Use an ultrasonic cleaner for intricate models.
- Cure the print fully in a UV chamber or sunlight. Rotation helps cure evenly. Verify times for the resin used.
- For white or light colored opaque resins, ‘bleach’ them in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution under UV to improve whiteness and opaqueness.
- Sand and polish models using progressively finer grit sandpaper. Plastic polishing compounds help achieve glossy finishes.
- Use filler primer, paints, sealers and coatings compatible with photopolymers to color models.
- For furniture or products needing rigidity, you can encapsulate prints in clear epoxy resin for enhanced structure and durability.
- Elegoo ceramic resin prints can be fired in a kiln to convert them into genuine ceramic items.
Elegoo Resin Printing – Endless Possibilities!
With high-quality Elegoo LCD printers and resins, you unlock an endless array of applications:
- Miniatures – Print intricately detailed mini figurines for gaming, model making, prototyping, etc.
- Jewelry – Create personalized jewelry pieces directly or as lost-wax casting patterns.
- Dental Models – Produce accurate dental appliances and models like retainers, nightguards, aligners.
- Engineering – Prototype functional parts with precision fitting, snap-fits, living hinges, threads etc.
- Art – Bring complex sculptures, artworks, and architectural models to life.
- Education – Engage students by 3D printing STEM and art models, historical artefacts, anatomy, etc.
- Foundry – Cast metal miniatures, jewelry and parts using the lost-wax casting process.
Let your imagination soar by exploring the capabilities of Elegoo LCD printers and resins! The possibilities are endless.
Get Your Elegoo Resin for Amazing 3D Prints!
Elegoo resin offers the perfect material solution for hobbyists and professionals alike to 3D print models with unbelievable accuracy, intricate details, and smooth surface finish. It’s easy to see why Elegoo resin is the top choice for so many LCD printer owners.
If you’re looking for exciting new 3D printing possibilities in 2023, grab some Elegoo resin to try out today! You’ll be amazed at the quality results you can achieve.
